Trying to choose first newt - help?

[LewisDunbar]

Greetings Caudatonians! :happy: After a couple weeks of researching and internet crawling, I have decided that I would like to enter the fascinating world of newts - I have a 20 gallon tank (30 inches x 12 inches x 15 inches), which I will be setting up to be semi-aquatic. The only problem I'm having is that I can't seem to decide which species I would like to start with. :lame:

I've been keeping axolotls for two years now (the reason I joined Caudata.org in the first place) and I have knowledge in building semi-aquatic vivs (I also keep land crabs, *pinchy pinchy* ) so I have the groundwork in place to build and maintain the habitat, but I'm terrified of getting 'the wrong type' of newt for the environment, or vice versa.

I'd be looking for a semi-aquatic newt(s), that would ideally make regular use of both sides and that wouldn't mind some deep water (7 inches?) (though, since this plan is still very much in the planning stage, I wouldn't mind fiddling with the tank-design to make it more suitable.

Basically, I'm simply looking for a little guidance - with a species of newt in mind, I can specialize my research so that I will be able to take the best care of whatever critter I end up with, instead of struggling to grasp every species on the list

Cheers for any help in advance!
~ Luey

 

[dipsydoodle]

Where I live there aren't many species of newt available; I'd maybe have a look around somewhere local to yourself and see who has what and see if you fall in love with any. I was looking to upgrade a fish tank; and I ended up getting 2 newts...after weeks of research.

I have a japanese and a chinese newt. But when I was buying my chinese one they had a ridgeback newt and that was quite cute too; although I don't think there is much info on the net about them.

 

[Jennewt]

I'd recommend steering clear of pet shops and try to hook up with some newt enthusiasts, who may have offspring to spare. There are several species of Triturus (and formerly-Triturus) that would do well with that kind of setup. Be careful about what may be illegal to own in UK. Best wishes in your quest!