Unusual yellow ventral coloration observed in captive-bred Cynops orientalis

[amary]

During long-term captive care and breeding of Cynops orientalis (over 10 years), I observed a small number of offspring showing unusually bright yellow ventral coloration.

This coloration differed clearly from the typical red to orange ventral range commonly seen in the species. While I am aware that diet and carotenoid content can influence ventral color intensity in Cynops, the uniform yellow coloration observed in these individuals appeared atypical based on my experience and available literature.

Unfortunately, this lineage is no longer present, and no further breeding was possible. However, I am sharing this as a documented observation supported by photographs and video recordings.

An earlier discussion with additional images was documented on a local Bulgarian amphibian forum (link below). The content is in Bulgarian, but the images may still be of interest as a historical reference.

Създаване на селекция тритони с ефектна и нетрадиционна окраска

Създаване на селекция тритони с ефектна и нетрадиционна окраска

aquariumbg.com

 

[Niels D]

I've got Paramesotriton guangxiensis with a similar trait. Could be a defect/xanthism, but I'm definitely not an expert.

 

[amary]

I've got Paramesotriton guangxiensis with a similar trait. Could be a defect/xanthism, but I'm definitely not an expert.

This is very interesting! Do you have any pictures of these specimens somewhere?

I think it is normal for some species to have yellowish bellies. But I don't really understand either...

 

[Niels D]

I have a little video of my animals, where you can see the difference between a "normally" coloured female and a "yellow" male:

 

[amary]

I have a little video of my animals, where you can see the difference between a "normally" coloured female and a "yellow" male:

Very nice!

I see that you use sand as a primer. Do you have any problems with the animals swallowing sand along with their food when feeding? I read somewhere that a newt can die from a blockage in its esophagus if it swallows a large grain of sand or a small pebble. Does the sand make it difficult for you to suck up the dirt from the bottom when changing the water?