Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there:

I am currently working on a Taricha breeding project, and tonight I am planning to buy 1 of the 3 Pacific newts: a red-bellied, rough-skinned or California. I currently have a Pacific newt in a vivarium. It was sold to me as an Oregon newt, but I know that these are more commonly reffered to as California newts. However, others believe him to be a rough-skinned newt. I heard that you can tell the difference only from the eyes. He has a dark area in his eyes about 3 1/4 of the way down from the top. He is light brown and orange underneath- about 5 1/2 inches long, and rarely ventures onto land. The other fish store has smaller darker ones labeled as rough skinned newts. Should I get one of these? They may also have some red-bellies. I just need a new species. Thank you.

DAVE

if your local pet store has 'red bellies' id like to know. are you talking about the taricha species 'rivularis' or a cynops specie? a true taricha 'red belly' will have black eyes and look like a rough skinned newt in the body and the belly will have no spots. the names 'california newt' 'roughskin newt' and 'oregon newt' are too general and usually mean the same animal-but most pet stores are clueless- that is why latin names are used amoungst keepers. most of what is sold in the hobby are taricha granulosa -i am unsure of their origins as i was told oregon and california dont issue collection permits (like for the pet trade) that is why i am wondering if the store really is selling 'red belly' tarichas.(if they are please let us all know-true 'red bellies' are hard to come by and deisred by many). common name wise though the 'rough skinned' and 'oregon/california' newt should refer to taricha granulosa and the name 'pacific newt' or 'pacific coast newt' should refer to taricha torosa torosa-but again dont trust a pet store to get it right-often their suppliers have only a limited number of boxes to check off on their supply sheets-so quite a few species are often sold -sometimes in the same batch-as the same animal.

you mention he rarely goes onto land so i am going to say it is taricha granulosa-despite their bumpier skin (more like a toads) they are very aquatic

Might be a Paramesotriton...

Hi there:

Yes, they were true red-bellies. They looked like 6-inch fire-bellys without any markings. I have correctly identified mine as a rough-skinned newt (I'll have to change the label!) The store was currently out of tarichas last night, so I bought another newt that I rarely see...

A Japanese fire-belly. I haven't seen these guys in a couple of years, and only see the rough-skinned Chinese fire-bellies. I had a Chinese for awhile, that lived with the rough-skinned newt. But the Japanese is different. He hates to be picked up and runs like an Anole, is about 4 1/2 inches long, has big eyes and smooth skin. The belly is also brighter and has more markings. Thanks.

DAVE

Out of curiosity, do you know where more Japanese fire bellied newts are available? I've been looking for one for a long time and haven't found anything but the Chinese variety. Is the place you bought from able to do mail-orders?

Hi there:

I purchased mine at a local tropical fish outlet. They had tons of them. Unfortunately, they do not do mail orders. They claim to have the lagest selection of fish in New York state. I believe them. They sell electric eels, nurse sharks, caecilians, tons of newts, turtles, Axolotls and ponds. They may sometimes turn up at a Petco.

DAVE