Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there:

I have a good sized California newt in a large semi-aquatic vivarium, who has lived with a Chinese fire-bellied newt for quite some time. Recently, the fire-belly died. I keep other sals and newts, like an Axolotl, but I am looking for something new to house with the California. My local "newt store" carries these and others:

California newts, red-bellied and rough skinned newts, oriental fire-bellied newts, broken-striped newts, Spanish ribbed newts and black spotted newts. I know that some of these do not mix, because they are eastern species with an eft stage and different toxins, but what do you suggest?

DAVE

California Newts and Rough-skinned newts have very toxic secretions. More like the Fire bellied died because of it. The Only Species I would mix is any of the Taricha genus (more Cals, or Rough-skinned and Red-bellies). Plus Pacific newts are very aggressive feeders and will try to take any soft and meaty companion, or at least part of it.

If you are looking for mix species tank- I have had no problems with Japanese and chinese fire belly newts mixed with Oriental Fire bellie toads. The colors do clash a bit though. A mix or eropean newts would be safe too.

Taricha is an awesome genus of newts. I am very happy with my clan of 12. They have interesting social behavior. That you will notice aswell if you stick to one genus. I hope I helped, and not babbled.

HI THERE:

Thank you for your advice. I keep many community vivariums. The toxins of the fire-bellied newt are very similar to those of Taricha. The two got along very well for years, and I am sad that the fire-belly died. I have decided on a red-bellied newt. That will be great. I keep my newts in a 20-gallon long with a divider through the middle. The newts are on one side, and on the other side is a baby golden Axolotl. Thank you again.

DAVE

Right on, I guess more reasearch on Newt toxins would be smart on my part. I did try keeping taricha with cynops when i was younger with no succsess, but there could have been something else involved, so ill have to look at my records and try to figure out other possibilites for my cynops dying. My Tarichas are still to young to breed, but the time is coming. So if there is anyone out there who knows how to so, any tips will be appreciated.