Dances with newts (T. verrucosus)

[gord]

Two days ago...my two newts were dancing up a storm.I'd never seen them go at it like this. I'm still not sure if I have a male or female..pretty sure they are not the same sex however. Much activity this day...I assume some sort of mating dance was underway. Haven't seen it since.

Clicked these pics with my digital at 800..they're a bit blurry as it was dark and I was going hand held.

My shanjing have also become quite active this april...and are eating like fiends. No sign of mating interest however.

Gord

(Message edited by jennewt on April 14, 2006)

 

[kyle]

That's pretty neat--
Definitely keep us posted on any sort of breeding activity/eggs that you witness!

 

[jennifer]

Based on what I've read, that's a classic verrucosus mating dance. Stay tuned for eggs, and possibly a lot of them

 

[wouter]

Yes, that must be a mating dance... the front animal is definatly a male, judging by the cloaca, and the back one is very broad. Be prepared for many eggs!

 

[gord]

whoa...you guys are getting me excited and freaked at the same time. The female has been laying low the last couple days..very unusual..back in the salad. When would egg laying likely start after mating?

GE

 

[kyle]

How long and how old are these individuals?
That supposed female is extremely fat even in the above pictures!

 

[gord]

Kyle:

I've had both newts for just under 2 years. They were adults when I got them...although they've grown some. They certainly are both pretty fat and in great health! I'm guessing they are about 20 cm..I've only held a tape up against the glass. I don't like to handle them. They are pretty good sized newts. There are a couple other threads about these particular newts on this forum and I think in either pictures or vivariums(?)

Gord

p.s still no sign of eggs.I guess they didn't go through with the mating.

 

[michael]

Mine dance around for weeks before laying. They also chase either a lot during feeding time. I think they laid around June last year and would expect the same this year. After they were in breeding shape I bounced the temp around a little and did a big water change. This might have triggered them to breed.

 

[danny]

Gord - Any update on the mating dance?? Sure would be great if they bred for you!

 

[gord]

danny:

No sign of eggs so far.No more dancing as well. I'm still hopeful as these newts look and act very happy.

GE

 

[richard]

that is very neat. i have seen such behaviour in my freind's newts. approx 3 weeks later his aquarium was loaded with eggs.
ps. gord, do you write columns for ontario out of doors?

 

[gord]

richard:

yes,that's me.

i'm a fish and newt geek!

GE

 

[andy]

Still no eggs Gord?....i've been watching my Kweichowensis doing this Tylo waltz this week end...really crossing my fingers!!!

 

[gord]

andy:

no eggs. my female looks ready to explode, she's so full.i've been away for a week so haven't been able to watch. i'll keep you posted.

good luck with kweichowenis.

ge

 

[gord]

They are at it again..more than a month later! Added some water yesterday and it's a bit warmer in the basement. Maybe that was the trigger...still no eggs though.

(Message edited by jennewt on May 24, 2006)