C. pyrrhogaster metamorphs: Kanto vs. Sasayama

[jennifer]

Just as an interesting comparison, I took some photos of my morphs. First, some C. pyrrhogaster "pet-shop-Sasayame" (look like Sasayame, but no locality info). These guys are a month or two post-morph.

For comparison, here are some younger (just morphed) C. p. Kanto:

In appearance they are quite different, although the Kanto may change as they get older. They are also quite different in behavior. The Sasayame are active, while the Kanto don't move much. If I pick up a Kanto morph and turn it upside down, it doesn't move to right itself. A couple of times I thought one of the Kanto was dead because they just don't move.

 

[jennifer]

And here are some belly shots. First, two of the Sasayame (the second one is the brightest-colored individual in the photos above):

Then, two of the Kanto. The color may be less developed on the Kanto because of being younger.

(Message edited by jennewt on August 04, 2005)

 

[paul]

Hi Jennifer,

typical like mine! I showed pics last year.
See here for sasayamae:
http://de.geocities.com/archiv_cynops/c_pyrrhogaster/c_p_sasayamae/galerie-pb-2/galerie.htm
And here for Kanto:
http://de.geocities.com/paul_bachhausen/Molch-Register/Archiv/pyrrhogaster/Kanto/Galerie-PB/c_p_PB-Galerie.htm
An other difference. The Kanto grow much faster.
courting male after 1,5 years. See here:
http://de.geocities.com/archiv_cynops/c_pyrrhogaster/c_p_kanto/c_p_PB-Galerie.htm
Paul

 

[paul]

For Kanto better see here:
http://www.caudata.org/forum/messages/985/16530.html?1086507173
Paul

 

[jennifer]

Paul, have you noticed any other differences in raising them? Are the Kanto any more willing to stay semi-aquatic?

 

[aaron]

I know I'm a little late, but congrats on the babies, Jen.

 

[paul]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>Jennifer Macke wrote on Friday, 05 August, 2005 - 16:14 :</font>

"Paul, have you noticed any other differences in raising them? Are the Kanto any more willing to stay semi-aquatic?"<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
Jennifer, did not find, that they are more aquatic. At the age of 6 to 12 months I bring all my cynops back to an aquatic set up.
But I have to give a precision. My Kanto are from Kanagawa Prefecture - the southern part of Kanto plain. So they belong to an other genetical group than the rest of the Kanto pyrrhogaster.
But they are my best breeders

Paul

 

[jennifer]

Update, 2 months later. The Sasayame have been variable in growth, some slow, some fast. The Kanto are all about the same size, 5-6 cm.

First, the pet shop variety:

Next, the C. p. Kanto. One odd thing is that the bellies of the Kanto still have not gotten their black spots, all are solid orange. In most Cynops, the belly pattern is present around the time of metamorphosis, and doesn't change much throughout life. I wonder when these guys will get the dark spots.

(Message edited by jennewt on October 16, 2005)

 

[aaron]

Awesome jen. looks like they're doing well

 

[TJ]

Very cool, Jen, please follow through with this investigation!

I wish I could be of help but I presently have no Kanto babies, and the race/group/origin of most of the C. pyrrhogaster morphs/juvies I do have is unknown or speculative

(Message edited by TJ on October 20, 2005)