Aquarium fish and turtles have now become obsolete. Aquarium newts are another matter. They can rightfully be called quite rare inhabitants of houses and apartments. In nature, they are also quite difficult to meet, since these amphibians are nocturnal.
Aquarium newts: general information
With proper care, these amphibians can live in captivity (in an aquarium) for up to 30 years. These animals are direct relatives of other amphibians - salamanders and are under protection. That is why their content is strictly limited. Another thing is the common subspecies of these newts (spiny, comb, common, alpine). Their content is not regulated by anything, which allows you to acquire such unusual pets.
Aquarium newts: description of the species
At home, you can keep about 10 species of newts, but the most common are three of them. The first is the common newt. It usually grows up to 9-12 cm in length. Its olive-brown back and yellowish belly give it a mysterious appearance. Also, these newts are dotted with a whole scattering of yellow specks. The common newt has longitudinal lines on its head. A comb grows on the back of the male (from the head to the tail).
The next type of aquarium newts is comb. This amphibian is much larger than its previous relative. It grows up to 18 cm long. Crested newts are colored black or brown. Their abdomen is orange, there are numerous specks on it. As the name of the species suggests, these creatures also have ridges, only they are slightly shorter than that of ordinary newts. Crested newts use a poisonous substance secreted by the skin glands as protection against enemies. Therefore, their content requires special care.
And finally, the third species of aquarium newts is the spiny newt. This creature is considered the largest of the domestic amphibians. In length, it grows up to 30 cm. This newt got its name due to the tips of the ribs sticking out on the sides of its abdomen. At rest, they are hidden, but as soon as the spiny newt begins to worry, they open up, forming needles. These amphibians are dark green in color and have a pale yellow belly. Their whole body is strewn with black eruptions.
Maintenance and care of aquarium newts
It is not entirely correct to believe that keeping newts in captivity is a troublesome and costly business. To properly keep these amphibians at home, you must have an elementary set of knowledge. Firstly, one must not forget that amphibians are cold-blooded animals: their body temperature is completely dependent on the environment. Therefore, the optimum aquarium temperature for them is from 15 to 20 ° C. No additional heat sources (UV lamps, incandescent lamps) are needed here.
Secondly, newts are amphibians, i.e. they can live both in water and on land. Therefore, do not forget about equipping the aquarium with an artificial "island" (stones, awnings, rafts). Of course, there are also completely aquatic species of newts, but they are not popular among hobbyists.
Thirdly, aquarium newts can live in groups or alone. It doesn't matter to them. Of course, the more newts you plan to have, the more capacity you need to purchase an aquarium. One newt should have at least 12 liters of water.
Sand or gravel should be used as soil. Both live and artificial plants can be placed in the aquarium. Usually newts do not touch them. Only during the breeding season do they wrap their eggs in them. Aquarium decorations should not be too expressive so that the amphibian does not get hurt by them.
It is important to know that aquarium newts feed exclusively on live food: earthworms, small fish, shrimps, larvae, flies, snails. These creatures will not refuse small pieces of meat, kidneys or liver. Experienced aquarists advise giving newts vitamins once a month. Young individuals need to be fed every day, and adults every other day.
You should be aware that aquarium newts shed from time to time. Usually before that, they rub their heads against stones. As soon as their skin breaks, they pull it together and immediately eat it. These amphibians are rather slow creatures. They can hang for hours, clinging to the walls of the aquarium or plants. Newts reach puberty by the age of 3 years. At this time, the animal lays eggs, carefully guarding it. The fry appear within a month.
