To Hibernate or Not to Hibernate?

[david]

That is the question. This season I've bred cristatus, marmortus, and montandoni without formal hibernation. I know Jen has had success with her karelinii the same way. I'd like to know who else has had success breeding different triturus species without hibernation.

 

[mike]

I've had success with vittatus ophryticus, karelinii, dobrogicus macrosomus, carnifex, and alpestris apuanus by keeping them fully aquatic all year round, with a slight cooling through the winter.

 

[sergé]

What do you mean with hibernating? That you keep them whole yerar round at 15 degrees Celcius?

 

[david]

Hi Serge. By hibernation,I mean keeping them at 18 to 21 degrees celsius, most of the year, and then dropping them down to a 2 or 3 degrees celsius hibernation period to prepare them for breeding. Instead of putting them in a refrigerator, I reduced light to simulate winter, and just cooled them down to about 12 degrees celsius for about 6 to 8 weeks. After that, I slowly brought up the temps to normal and gradually increased light.

 

[david]

So after they breed, you raise the larvae to adulthood aquatically also Mike?

 

[mike]

I wish it was that simple David, after metamorphosis they go through their terrestrial stage for 1-2 years, before becoming aquatic again.