Interested in a fire bellied newt...

[Padda]

Hi. I recently became interested in getting 2 fire bellied newts as pets. I have done a lot of research and wanted to know more about people's experiences with them as pets. Also, would you suggest getting 1 or 2 for a 10 gallon tank? Thanks!

[Kurt]

I think 2 or 3 would be fine in a ten gallon tank. I would provide filtration for these aquatic salamanders, either a sponge filter or a submersible Marineland Dueto (it can be turned down to a slower flow than a lot of other submersibles). Make sure you have a escape proof cover and some place where they can climb out of the water. I like using floating Styrofoam trays for this. I remember feeding this species various fish foods, but it's been a long time since I have kept any. So, hopefully someone more qualified on their husbandry will respond.

[John]

The problem with a small tank like that is maintaining stable water chemistry/conditions. You could definitely keep 2 adults in a tank that size provided you have good filtration. I recommend you take some time to read the fire-belly article over at caudata.org and browse the Caudata.org forum to learn more about fire-belly newts. There are several species within that genus. Newts don't eat aquarium fish food (sorry Kurt).

[Kurt]

Newts don't eat aquarium fish food (sorry Kurt).

Thats probaly why mine died. D'oh! I told you it been a long time since I kept any. I haven't kept any aquatic caudates in a very long time.
Oh BTW, the cave salamanders are doing great! They are eating and pooping machines, and they are still the fastest salamanders I have ever seen!

[John]

they are still the fastest salamanders I have ever seen!

You haven't kept many Plethodontids have you :P. They are all like that. I'm glad to hear they are doing well - I look forward to meeting them.

[Padda]

That's good that they are doing well... thanks for all of your help guys. I am going to check out that forum John.

[lraulston]

I always fed mine frozen bits of shrimp or bloodworms. That was a long time ago and no idea if that was correct. lol

[Kurt]

You haven't kept many Plethodontids have you :P. They are all like that. I'm glad to hear they are doing well - I look forward to meeting them.

Well, I have kept Bolitoglossa dofleini and it never moved that quick. Well the tongue did anyway. I have also kept Plethodon cinereus on occasion, I even caught one the other day and they don't move as nearly as fast as these little Eurycea lucifuga.