Tiny white dots on firebelly newt

[Hockeyrooster]

We have two tiny aquatic newts (still have external gills). This morning I see some white dots on one of them.
Any advice or guidance? If this were fish I’d assume it’s ich and treat it but we are so new to the world of newts and don’t know what to do. Thanks.

 

[Hockeyrooster]

Any thoughts? Spots are bigger now.

im either going to try a saltwater dip or use the ich medicine I got for my fish.
Please help!

 

[E. Sylvanus]

I’m not the most experienced person here, but maybe I can help. Do you have any photos of the newts? Have you tested the water (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)? If so, what were the results? Finally, what temperature is the water?

 

[Hockeyrooster]

Thanks! I haven’t tested the water for a couple of weeks but it was perfect the last 3 times I checked it. I did a water change yesterday. I will test tonight and post up if there are water quality issues. Temp in the tank is about 72 which is on the higher side but it has been at this temp since it was set up. The tank looks a bit grungy but it was cleaned since. Also, there are plants in the tank which had been removed to clean up.

this started as tiny white dots and is now getting bigger.now it appears to be stringy and coming off.

it’s eating fine and has normal activity levels. The other one has nothing on it.

one other thing. When I did the water change there was a creepy bug in the tank!!! I’m hoping it’s a mosquito larvae (as I have no idea what other creature could have gotten into the tank). Pic isn’t very good.

 

[E. Sylvanus]

I’m glad he’s eating and active still; that seems like a good sign!

Since the white stuff is kind of stringy looking (like cotton fibers maybe?) my best guess is that you’re dealing with a fungal infection. The fact that the water temperature is on the higher end for these guys seems consistent with fungus as well. If that’s the case, salt baths can be helpful to clear up the fungus, and I’ve heard that some people have had success with tea baths as well. Long term, I think cooling the tank down a bit would be a good idea, as it will help your little guys’ immune systems so they can fight off infections like that.

I’m afraid I have no idea what the creature in the tank was. I’ve never seen one before; sorry I can’t be of more assistance on that.

I hope all goes well with your little guys. Let me know how they do!

 

[Hockeyrooster]

Thanks so much. Any direction for me for a salt bath? I have a saltwater tank and have plenty of salt water mixed up. Should I use it (specific gravity of 1.025)? And how long? 5 minutes?

 

[E. Sylvanus]

I’ve not had to do any myself yet, but here’s an article I found from Caudata Culture that seems to have some good information:

Caudata Culture Articles - Salt Solutions in Treating Salamanders

There are additional links for how to make the salt solution at the bottom of the article.

 

[Hockeyrooster]

Again, thank you for the link!

 

[jjereme]

Again, thank you for the link!

Did salt solution work succesfully?

 

[Hockeyrooster]

I didn’t end up doing one. I changed the water and their heath improved. Sorry I don’t have more info