>>I recetnly adopted a rough skinned newt and two firebelly toads that came in a very large aquatic/terrestrial tank with lots of foliage, rocks, and a waterfall. I would like to get a crested gecko to go in the tank as well because the terrestrial area is unused by the newt and frogs (they like to stay in/near the water). I was told by the petco guy that the gecko could go in the same tank but after doing some research, I have found that the newt is extremely poisonous (via ingestion, but skin contact may induce a reaction in some cases). >>

The Rough-skinned newt contain a very potent poison that is called tetrodotoxin. It is very similar to those found in puffer fishes and other animals. The newts do not release the toxin into the water. They only release it when they are under duress, such as rough handling. Hence it is best not to allow any children to handle the newts. When released, they produce a very strong smell but they dry very quickly and they are not water soluble. Certainly ingestion will kill a person, just as eating improperly prepared puffer fish may kill a person. However, there is no danger just having the newts around. Poison can also get inside the blood stream via an open wound, so it is best not the handle them. I have handled lots of newts without any problem. Just do it gently. The newt would not be harmful to the toads.

>>So, can anyone tell me if I can have a crested gecko in the same tank as firebelly toads and a rough skinned newt? If not, is there any other creature that will be okay with the frogs and newt?
>>
>>Thanks, Niocle

If the gecko is big enough, it may attempt to eat either the newt or the firebelly, with likely tragic results. If you want to have a reptile in there, I suggest an ordinary fence lizard, a green anole or even a day gecko (Phelsuma). These sorts of lizards are insectivores and they won't attempt to eat the toads or the newt.

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