Neurergus Personalities

[GeoNewt]

Hi all.

I currently keep a CB09 pair of N. kaiseri and a CB08 pair of N. strauchii strauchii. I have only had the kaiseri for a few weeks, and have never seen them out from their hide. This surprised me, because when I visit the newts in the evenings the strauchii are always out, and will eat worms from my hand. I was wondering how other people have found the personalities of their Neurergus - do kaiseri tend to be more shy, or are the personalities similar? Also, am I just being to demanding of them seeing as they have not been with me long?

George

 

[Mark]

Kaiseri are extremely shy. If kept terrestrially the best you'll get is a brief glimpse of them after dark. It's ironic that one of the most in-demand species is actually a lousy captive. During the aquatic phase they become much bolder.

Strauchii are far more personable in my experience. I keep mine 100% aquatic. As juveniles they were quite cautious but now as adults they'll practically charge out of their hides in the hope of food. By far my favourite.

 

[monkeyfrogman28]

I agree with Mark 100% Keep the aquatic and they will become bold

 

[KennyDB]

Just put them aquatic, you'll see the difference in a couple days

 

[kenya_1977]

Yeah, I got mine a couple weeks ago from Craig and set them up in an aquatic set up. I see them all the time! Craig actually keeps his aquatic all year.

 

[GeoNewt]

Thanks for the replies.

I know that everyone has their own opinions on how to raise Neurergus, but as my eventual goal is to breed both species do you think that housing them in a more natural way (aquatic in spring, terrestrial for the rest of the year) would make them more likely to breed than if they are aquatic all year round? Alternatively, would I be better off putting them in a larger tank with decent land and water areas so that they can choose? I don't know whether it makes any particular difference to housing, but my kaiseri are about 2.5" long, and the strauchii are just under 3" long.

Thanks again,
George.