Paddle tail has issues...

[aaustin15]

So my newt who i thought i was a female for the past two months is apparently now a guy... his/her vent is swollen and theres those little papillae sticking out around it but there are no spots on his tail.
whats weird is that his color is also getting paler on his sides. his appetite is VERY good and the water quality is good too... is there something else that could be making his color paler?

I'm such a neurotic newt owner that i post whenever any little thing happens, i apologize

 

[Ghost1]

He's in breeding condition. That explains the pale marks.

 

[aaustin15]

He's in breeding condition. That explains the pale marks.

Ohhh. What makes them go into breeding condition?

 

[AngieD]

It sometimes happens when the tank water changes temperature - my male was hassling the female after a warm spell (although it's usually the warm-up after a cold spell that brings it on).

My male has had the papillae without the spots in the past, and he was just as pesky as when he does get spots. I hope that makes sense.

Do you have just 1 paddletail, or more? If you have more than 1, I would recommend keeping a VERY close eye on them, as fighting is common when 1 is in breeding condition

 

[aaustin15]

okay thank you! i had to keep him at a vet's office last weekend and maybe his temp was colder there, I'm not sure.
and i just have him. thanks for all your help!