Lazy Alpine Newts

Otterwoman

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I have a bunch of these that were born last year (early 2009). This guy looks ready to breed, and he still has some gills! Talk about lazy!!
 

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Looks awesome! Would this would be called paedomorphic (sp)?
 
I don't think so. I think these are just lazy. The previous crop of alpines I had did that too; they all eventually lost their gills. I just think I make life too easy for them. Also, I don't have much land area for them to go out on; they're not really motivated to grow up.
 
What a cute chap!
How big is he? He doesn´t look ready to breed, but the bulging cloaca might mean that he will soon.
I´m having great fun with this species myself, they are so gorgeous and easy to keep....

Justin, i would consider that neoteny. Unless it breeds at a very young age or small size, keeping the gills is just facultative neoteny.
 
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