Question: Anything that won't eat minnows?

Infinitii · Apr 22, 2010

I have a fish tank around 40 gallons that I originally bought to house Axolotls and is full of plants and hiding spots with a soft sandy substrate. I bought some bite sized minnows in advance because I wanted to get something that wouldn't bother them and they could occasionally eat. Unfortunately my nieces are now very attached to them....

So I know its a dumb question that's likely to get a no but are there any predominantly aquatic salamanders or newts that won't gobble them up or would at least be unlikely to? The only type I could find was the dwarf siren which after a lot of searching and research seems impossible to get in the uk. I don't mind moving the fish to another tank but wanted to check first.

Thanks.

Azhael · Apr 22, 2010

There are several species that are very unlikely to catch any healthy fish, such as any Cynops, Lissotriton and even Triturus. They might eat the odd one but i wouldn´t expect them to at all, they are not fast enough in general.
You also need to consider hwo many fish there are in the tank and which species they are. Caudates and fish are a terrible mix except on very rare ocassions. Depending on the species and the quantity of the fish, putting caudates in that tank might be risky.

Also, if you do get some newts, please look for captive bred ones. All the newts you can find in any pet-shop are wild-caught and a poor choice for a beginner.

Infinitii · Apr 24, 2010

I have six fish in the tank, a mix of White Mountain Minnows and Rosy Reds. I wanted a small number so as not to stress out the animal I kept in there but is that still possible? I've had them for nearing two months now and they haven't shown any signs of illness.

Thanks for your help and for your advice on pet shops. I'm hoping to buy through a breeder instead now.

Azhael · Apr 24, 2010

I think both of those species are fine. I know the Tanichthys are, i keep a pair myself, and i think i heard the Rosy reds are ok too. 6 of those in a 40 gallon tank is a very sensible number.

There are LOTS of breeders in the UK, so you sholdn´t have any problem. You can find several in this very forum.

Jennewt · Apr 24, 2010

I'd suggest perhaps setting up a separate tank for the fish (and for your nieces)

Those 6 fish could be happy in a smaller tank, something like 40 liters.

Infinitii · Apr 24, 2010

I picked up another tank today so I have the option of moving them over. I was planning on buying a small tank to keep and breed some shrimp in so I would have ended up with another one sooner or later.

I'm going to go for the Marbled Newt, if I can get hold of it. Thanks again for the advice. Its been a great help.

SludgeMunkey · Apr 25, 2010

Rosy reds are touch and go. When they are smaller they pose no threat. Once they reach adult size, some males become "nibblers" at which time they should be removed or fed to an axolotl as a treat.

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Question: Anything that won't eat minnows?

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