Could FS be expecting?

W

Will B

New member
Joined
May 6, 2011
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Lisboa
Country
Portugal
Hi again, different topic so new thread.

My sallies have always been quite healthy looking so far, they seem to eat propperly, have been growing in a proportional manner, and seem not to have any stress factors, as far as I can tell.
I've never been able to tell which are male and/or female, even after reading the explanations here... I guess I've never seen any differences in their cloacas, perhaps because I've chosen to handle and bother them as litle as possible: when I feed them they show themselves briefly and when I clean their terrarium I handle them the bare minimum. Or perhaps they could all be the same gender...

One of them has been gaining volume, in an apparently proportional manner. Not very much yet, but it raised the question: is it a she expecting descendancy, or could it be bloated or even obese?

Since this is the only one presenting this bulking up, I feel inclined to exclude poor/unadequate feeding, but on the other hand they are not much over 1 y/o (as far as I can tell), so I wouldn't be expecting preagnancies so soon! Or could this one in particular become bloated or sick although being fed the same way as the others?


Thanks for feedback
W
 
It could be either thing. She could be gravid but she could also be ill. The symptom you describe is not enough to tell.
Try to get a picture.
 
Ok, will do! Should I handle it to take a pic from below as well, or is it counter-indicated considering that it may be expecting or ill??

thank you so much for yr feedback! Will take pics tomorrow and post them!
W
 
A picture from above should suffice.
 
Ok, have some pics, but couldn't get the scoundrels to come out for a photo OP. They were hiding among tree bark pieces which are sort of structured to provide many hiding spots. To get a decent pic would need to expose the surface and remove everything.

I thought that removing the leaf litter and using worms for bait would do the trick, but they had been fed yesterday, maybe that's why only one of them showed up voluntarily, altough not full body. The one that appears on its own is the one that I note is somewhat enlarged latelly. The other 2, I was very surprised to see them together, somewhat entangled, although seemingly tranquil and/or resting. They usually occupy their own hiding spot, and have only seen them mingle during feeding time or cleaning time.

I assume that the pics are too vague for any assessments?! If so, more light will be shed on this soon, with new pics. I will replace and remodel all of surface medium in a few days only, will then be able to take decent pics.


W
 

Attachments

  • recipient size 044.jpg
    recipient size 044.jpg
    126.7 KB · Views: 318
  • recipient size 045.jpg
    recipient size 045.jpg
    110.4 KB · Views: 282
  • recipient size 051.jpg
    recipient size 051.jpg
    129.1 KB · Views: 315
  • recipient size 057.jpg
    recipient size 057.jpg
    142.8 KB · Views: 295
  • recipient size 058.jpg
    recipient size 058.jpg
    231.4 KB · Views: 278
  • recipient size 061.jpg
    recipient size 061.jpg
    168.8 KB · Views: 312
  • recipient size 062.jpg
    recipient size 062.jpg
    133.2 KB · Views: 288
  • recipient size 064.jpg
    recipient size 064.jpg
    104.3 KB · Views: 278
It´s impossible to tell if the animal is gravid, but at least it doesn´t look to be ill in any way, so that´s something.

One concern is the fact that they are S.s.gallaica and you live in Portugal...i hope you have papers for those animals, otherwise they are illegal and you could be facing a pretty high fine. If these are the 3 salamanders you took from your jacuzzi...i have to say, i´m saddened by the fact that you kept them. You shouldn´t have taken those animals into your home in the first place and definitely not keep them. It´s illegal for a good reason.
 
Last edited:
I'm tranquil for the reasons i explained to you in private, in the past! I don't know if the word legal applies, it certainly its not ideal, nor conservacion wise adequate, but authorities were informed and I acted accordingly.

To be quite honest what really worries me is to find SS Gallaica specimens sold worldwide, and I find it quite strange that the exact origin of the animals is still known in a very specific manner, which suggests to me an ongoing traffic, rather then specimens reproduced in captivity for many generations. In fact local authorities are focusing most of their extremelly thin resources to put an end to this: its a very reduced stock for such a widespread demand.

Thanks for the feedback on their physical condition.

W
 
I see, i tried to find those messages but i must have deleted them while cleaning my folder (which is always way too full). If you wouldn´t mind sending me another PM and refreshing my memory, i´d apreciate it as i only have a very vague recollection. I can´t really remember our exchange but i´m surprised the authorities allowed you to keep them.
Nevertheless, in terms of the law, they are certainly illegal. It´s unlikely that you would get in trouble with the authorities but if it happened, i don´t think having notified them at one point would save you from a fine (portuguese and spanish authorities leave much to be desired...sadly).

As for the commerce of these species, it´s terribly sad that an illegal trade exists (mainly to the US and the UK) but luckily, this subspecies is bred in captivity in large numbers every year and demand for WC animals has plummeted. Just because some bloodlines have locality data it doesn´t mean they are recent illegal imports. I too wish our salamanders would be safe from inmoral poachers among many other things (like habitat loss).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
     +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
     +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
     +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
     +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Back
    Top