Sub-adult T. marmoratus hibernation?

[coendeurloo]

Hi all,

I have a sub-adult T. marmoratus @ 14 - 20 degrees celcius, in a terrestrial setup. I have noticed it is building up a rather small crest already. Is it worth the effort to give this animal a colder period and let it join in with the others (adults) in spring? Does the growth of a crest mean it is able to sexually reproduce?

 

[Azhael]

Hi Coen, mine have had their crests and all the signs of sexual maturity since a few months and they were about 8-8,5 cm long. They never showed the littlest interest in breeding though. I think depending on the size/age of your newt, the development of the distinct male characteristics doesn´t mean it will breed. Of course he might.
I have mine in the same circumstances as yours and the two males look like perfectly adult little newts. We´ll see if they develop a crest next spring(anyway the females are probably still way too young).

 

[coendeurloo]

Thank you Rodrigo, maybe I will place him in the tank with the others. It most certainly won't hurt him, he looks well fed so he should be able to withstand a cooler period in the basement, regardless if it will actually try to breed afterwards.