T. kweichowensis husbandry

[froggy]

I can't seem to find a single thread discussing the husbandry of this species, as both juveniles, sub adults and adults, in captivity. There are many that have photos of animals or reports of specific events, such as breeding. I am interested in this species,and am interested to see how different people have had success with them. A good thread on this topic could also form the basis of a caresheet, or at least provide all the info (uneditted) in one place for others who are looking for information until one is available, rather lke the Neurergus raising thread in the Neurergus section.

Thanks

Chris

 

[freves]

Here is my/my friend's account on breeding http://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40488 . To my knowledge this was only the second US breeding of this species. Michael Shrom had the first successful US breeding several years ago. I know that kweichows are bred with at least some(?) regularity in Europe. Husbandry is fairly simple. I keep my group of eight in a 65 gal aquarium, half filled with water and a large styrofoam lid that acts as a float. On the float I have cork bark sections that the animals use as hides. The aquatic area is planted with java moss and java fern. A tree branch replica covered in java moss provides areas for hiding underwater, in addition to blocking the sponge filter from view. Feeding is simple. I have yet to find a standard salamander food item that a kweichow will refuse. This is a very personable, outgoing species that will soon learn to "beg" for food. Good luck!
Chip

 

[froggy]

Thanks Foster. Sounds like verrucosus with a little more land. What temperatures do you maintain them at?

Chris

 

[freves]

Upper 60's F on average. In the winter the room cools down to the upper 50's on very cold nights.
Chip

 

[louise]

I have a group of 3 juveniles that are fast reaching the subadult stage. I am still keeping them in a plastic tub, on damp paper towel as a substrate, with damp moss to hide in. They love small earthworms, phoenix fly larvae and small waxworms and will beg for food when the lid of their tub is opened. One of my three is very small and 'runty', and is growing much slower than the other two. In spite of this, he is the greediest!