Which tank mates are suitable?

[superfin]

Hi all. I am getting Alpine newts very soon and I've got everything setup how the article here and from various other sources says. But none are to clear about which fish/shimp are compatible with them. The tank is 42 gallon and I am planning to house 6-8 newts in there, the filter is a fluval 305 external,a good filter and almost no flow. I was thinking of danios,mountain minnows or hillstream loaches? but any other fish or shrimp species advised would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Azhael]

I wouldn´t house any fish with them, it´s definitely the best option. If you are dead set on it, though, keep the number of fish very reduced. I.alpestris actively seeks fishless waters, and even peaceful, harmless species, like mountain minnows have the potential of causing some stress. I´d advice to be cautious and monitor the newts while they share their space with fish, and see how they react.
Fresh-water shrimp are fine, as are various species of snails, limpets, Asellus aquaticus...

 

[superfin]

I'll probably give the fish a miss then. But what species of shrimp can I put in and how many of them?

 

[Kaysie]

Most of the smaller shrimp would be fine. Folks usually use ghost or cherry shrimp. Just be aware that they could become a quick snack.

 

[superfin]

I've heard Cherry shrimp are very easy breeders so hopefully tat should even it out a bit. Also, would Assasin snails be out of the tank's temperature range?