Which newt to get?

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

I have been looking around and I have decided that I want to keep a newt. The onyl problem is that I am not sure which newt I would like. Can anyone make any suggestion of any newt which are good ones. I would really prefer one of the slimmer species and also dark coloured ones as I think they look the coolest

Thanks and please add how they should be kept if possible and any other information needed about their care and pictures if possible.

Timor

Shizeric · Dec 17, 2010

You should decide what type of setup you want to keep (aquatic, terrestrial), how big a tank you are going to have and tell us what you are looking for rather than people telling you what you should get and telling you how to care them one.

Azhael · Dec 17, 2010

These are some good beginner species:
Pleurodeles waltl, Triturus carnifex, T.cristatus, T.karelinii, T.dobrogicus, Tylototriton verrucosus, Ambystoma mexicanum...
If you like slim bodied species then T.dobrogicus might be the ideal choice.

As for information and pictures, you can find all you need here:
Caudata Culture Home Page

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

I really like the T. Dobrogicus although why do some of them have like fins on the top? Also are there any slim bodied totally black ones? I like them types the most.

Thanks for all the quick replies

Timor

Azhael · Dec 17, 2010

The ones with the crests are males in breeding condition.
There are no completely black, slim bodied newts. The closest would be T.cristatus which is native to your country (and VERY protected), or perhaps some dark Calotriton. Otherwise newts do tend to be quite colorful or rather short bodied.

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

Stupid quesiton but... On the top left of the website there is sometimes a picture of a red, long and slim creature. What species is this? If you are not sure what I mean then that is fine. I think I need to look at a newt in real life to be know if it might just be the pictures that put me of from the colours seeing as when I got 4 praying mantises they looked so much cooler in real life.

Thanks

Timor

Shizeric · Dec 17, 2010

Not exactly sure what red, long slim newt you are referring to...but does it look like this?:

1+Red+Eft,+New+River+Gorge,+West+Virginia,+May+8,+2008+(8).JPG

That is a red eft...a stage of the Eastern Newt.

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

That looks great although it is not the one I mean. Here is 3 screenshots of some species which are on the top left which I really like. What species is that? I really like it.

Azhael · Dec 17, 2010

First one is Plethodon cinereus, second one is another Plethodon (not sure of the species), and the third one is Gyrinophilus porphiriticus.
There are about 500 different species, most of them (if not all) very cool and interesting. If i were you i would look into easily available species that are commonly captive bred, like the ones i mentioned before.
While you might be able to find P.cinereus for sale in the UK, they´d be WC and they aren´t the best beginner option. G.porphiriticus you won´t find at all.

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

WC?

I told you I was new to this

Thanks for the answers and you are really good at knowing the species!

Thanks so much

Timor

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

Just found 4 three-lined salamanders for sale and I know it is not a newt but I really like these species they look amazing! Also found some California slender salamander for sale which are also really great.

I like the three-lined more and I know they are not newts but does anyone have any information about these?

Thanks

Timor

Jennewt · Dec 17, 2010

WC = wild-caught. Sadly, many newts and sals available for sale are taken from the wild. As you think about having an amphibian as a pet, you need to think about whether you want to increase the demand for animals being taken from the wild. There are captive-bred alternatives, although they may be slightly harder to find and in some cases will cost more.

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

Three lined are WC

Won't get them.

California slender salamanders are CB

Probably get them.

What is the dimensions of space they would need. 9 available although not wanting that many. Could anyone make a rough list e.g. 1 = xcm by xcm by xcm then 2= xcm by xmc by xcm then 3= and onwards.

If they could then that would be extremely helpful

Thanks

Timor

Azhael · Dec 17, 2010

I bet an arm you´ve found those animals at Dartfrog.
I would not consider either of those two species to be good beginner options.

I´d advice you not to jump into it. Take your time and read as much as you can, and when your eyes are bleeding and you just want to go to bed and cry, read some more!!!! Reading is the only way you´ll be eventually prepared to give a caudate a good home and provide all it needs. If you rush into it you´ll be much more likely to make easily avoidable mistakes.

Read, read, read, read, read! xD I know it´s boring but it´s your responsability to be prepared and to not be impulsive, after all, we are dealing with live beings.

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

Ok I will read as much as possible. Although I find it easier to get direct questions because everyone's situations are different. Also where could I find reading materials? Would you definately not recommend those two species?

Thanks

Timor

Azhael · Dec 17, 2010

This forum is chock full of information, and you can also find loads of it in the sister site Caudata Culture.
And no, as i said, i really don´t think those are good beginners options at all.

Timor · Dec 17, 2010

Does anyone know of any other species which are like three-lined salamanders (slim and long) which I would be able to care for?

Thanks

Timor

DeCypher · Dec 17, 2010

I think (not positive) that Plethodon species are long and skinny, though I do not know where you would get these. I would recommend Red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus Viridescens) as they are an easy species to care for. They are not long and slender though...

mudpuppi · Dec 18, 2010

I love the red backed salamander which is one of the salamanders in the top off the page. They are completely terrestrial with no larval stage. Thanks Justin

Jennewt · Dec 18, 2010

Timor - are you more familiar with keeping an aquatic/semi-aquatic or a fully-terrestrial habitat? Some of the species you are considering require water, some are best in a terrarium. Most people have a strong preference for the type of tank they prefer to maintain. This may also help you narrow down the choices.

Which newt to get?

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