Question: What should I get? Help please!!!

[toyrobotgirl]

I am going to be moving into my dorm room for the next school year and I really want to take a newt or salamander, but I do not know which kind I should get. Suggestions?

Requirements:
- Mostly aquatic (if not fully aquatic)
- Legal in California (wish Axolotls were.... they are amazing!!)
- Can be kept with more than one (pairs would be nice)
- Not over $100 each in price... total with shipping under $200 would be nice
- Can live in a tank 10 gallons or less

Help me!

 

[waterbabys]

Hi, The fire-bellied newt could be good they are almost totally aquatic and only get about 10cm long so you could have a pair.

 

[toyrobotgirl]

Hi, The fire-bellied newt could be good they are almost totally aquatic and only get about 10cm long so you could have a pair.

Hmmm... Thank you for the suggestion! I will consider them :happy:

 

[Azhael]

I wouldn´t recommend them unless you plan on getting captive.bred animals. All pet-shop available Cynops are wild caught which means they are all very stressed, and many are ill.

First thing to consider anyway is wether you can provide the necessary conditions for a newt or salamander. Caudates need cool temps, ideally less than 20ºC, so take that into consideration because if your area suffers high temps, you´ll need to get that covered. Also, do you have access to apropriate foods?
Read as much as you can about general husbandry, and all their requirements (they are quite easy to keep for the most part).

I think a good choice would probably be Cynops cyanurus or Cynops ensicauda. They do well at room temperature as long as it is not too high, they are available as captive-bred (quite cheaper than 100 bucks so don´t worry), and they make great choices in general.
If you could upgrade to a 20gallon i would recommend other species, particularly Pleurodeles waltl.

 

[toyrobotgirl]

Thanks for the great advice! I am aware of the temperatures and I do have access to food. I was actually looking into getting some Cynops. Thanks!