T. vittatus etc.

[kwksand]

I am a new member of caudata.org, and a very interested caudophile. In the past, I have kept Cynops orientalis for a number of years, and I am now keeping N. v. viredescens x louisianensis. I am also interested in obtaining one of the European species, especially T. vittatus. Do Triturus species present any special difficulties, compared to the species I have kept? Normally, my newts do well in a tank with 25% terrestrial, 75% water. I keep the water at room temp, and cover the tank with a vented lid. I assume these conditions will work well for Triturus as well, but I have no experience with these animals. Please let me know if I need to make special considerations before setting up a Triturus tank.

Thanks

 

[MRIGUY]

Welcome to the board. I've not kept the species you are looking at but I recommend that you check out the caresheets for some very good advice on species info and captive husbandry.

http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/caresheets.shtml

 

[Kaysie]

Triturus are especially hardy and outgoing. If you're not set on vittatus, I've got 2 aquatic and 1 terrestrial female T. karellini I'm about to put up for adoption. Contact me through private message if you're interested.

 

[caudataman]

Hi kwksand,

I would suggest you search the forums here for vittatus care info. I've been working with them since spring and hope to have CB juveniles available in a few weeks (available for trades first, then possibly sales later, if there are any left). A brief summary on vittatus. They are quite different in needs than most Triturus, which would probably do just fine as you described, depending on your room temperatures. O. vittatus is a DRY land creature outside of breeding season. A shoebox with dirt in it works just fine. I have a water bowl in with my adults, but I've never seen them use it. Care more like a lizard than a typical caudate. Too much moisture will cause them to rot before your eyes. (well maybe not THAT fast, but they won't last too awful long). Those things considered they seem to be fairly hardy, but not near bulletproof like most cresteds and alpestris. (which I would suggest first) Hope that helps...

Brian

 

[dln]

Vittatus are hard to find in the U.S. and difficult to keep compared to other triturus species. I've kept them before and some of my breeder friends have agreed they can be a challenge. If you haven't kept European species before, karelinii are great. Marmoratus are good to. I also keep apaunus, alpestris, and dobrogicus among my European animals and have good success with them