Mixing species is generally a bad idea. Herps are solitary animals that do not like the company of others (as other herps are seen as predators and competitors for food, warmth, hiding places and mates), and having a mixed species tank does them harm and no benefit.

Fire-bellied toads/frogs, Bombina sp. (usually Bombina orientalis, the species that is bright green with a red belly and black splotching) are quite toxic, and many species of newt produce their own toxins, as well. Forcing these species into an enclosure together is unwise.

Additionally, you're talking about species that come from different parts of the world. Each species has their own indigenous bacteria and other microorganisms that they have a certain immunity to, but species from another country will not. This is similar to when you travel to another country and catch some kine of small sickness that only travellers get (like "traveller's flu" or diarrhea).

Amphibians are also pretty terrible at identifying food when they're in feeding mode, and bitten off hands, feet or entire legs is not uncommon when you're keeping more than one amphibian together, much less different species.

Do your newts a favour and keep them to their own species. They will live much happier, healthier, longer lives

Christina Miller, AHT
www.herptiles.net

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