Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone own a Paddle Tailed Newt? I have one Pachytriton labiatus that is nearly 5 inches long named "Fang". He's highly aggressive and will bite anything that enters the water that even remotely smells like it's alive. He was gotten from a pet store that had him in a tiny critter keeper(6"x6"x3" with 1" of water that he came in 2 weeks before and was 75 degrees Farenheight. I bought him and placed him in water that is in the 50-55 farenheight range and is in a large tank with plenty of decorations to hide in. He also eats strips of beefheart,fish,live shrimp,worms,waxworms,and pieces of clam. I just think they are an awesome species to own.

Sorry, disregard the smilie, as it's a goof-up.

>>Anyone own a Paddle Tailed Newt?

YES, I have a trio of Paddle tails and 2 female Chinese warty newts in a 20 gal tank. THEY do VERY well together. I have read OVER AND OVER how agressive they are but my guys DO NOT attack each other.. The only nipping that goes on is during feeding time.. but that too is rare.

>>>I bought him and placed him in water that is in the 50-55 farenheight range and is in a large tank with plenty of decorations to hide in.

This may be TOO COLD for them. My guys are kept under 70F. They seem to be happier around 65-70. In summer my tank gets VERY WARM and I put large chunks of ice in it.. and they love it..

My guys are 99% aquatic. They have a large land shelf to go on, but I have NEVER seen them out of the water. I have even seen them gulp airbubbles instead of going to surface to breathe.

>>I just think they are an awesome species to own

You should see the females. my girls are very pretty, nice red lines on back and sides. VERY orange/red belly.. male is mostly dark brown/black

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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?

Not as nice as the ladies, but still cool.

harpy

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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?

Wow, I thought I was the only one who really likes this sp. of newt. The tank is set up to mimic where he comes from, and the temp. is what you would find in the wild. I'm suprised that they do so well in 65-70 degree water temps. He will now come to me and take food from the tips of my fingers. He also allows me to touch him without biting now. Thanks. BTW, the paddle-tails you have are really stunning, you must be proud to own them.

I would love to see a pic of your tank setup. I am always trying to improve mine. I really enjoy these guys. I sit and watch them every night before bed. Very relaxing to see them play and pose with each other.

Harpy
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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?

I have a digicam, but it is very low quality and it'll take quite some time before I learn how to use it. Basically, it's a 20L tank with good sized gravel,a large piece of drift wood that juts out of the water for land, 3 caves, and a powerhead to create current. The tank is in a room of my house that stays around 60 degrees in the summertime, and 40 degrees during the wintertime.

mine looksalot like yours. good pic