What do I have?

[redfisher1139]

I was sold this newt? by a LFS as a paddletail newt under the pretences of being tropical (it was even housed with rams and threadfins @ 78 degrees). Upon getting home and looking a bit more into things, it appears the paddletails are supposed to have smooth skin and be kept in cooler temps, plus he can be aggressive. I currently have him housed with some Kenyi Cichlids which is the coolest tank I have @ 72 degrees, but as soon as I can get a new heater, that tank temp will be raised to 78. As you can see by the picture, this one has rough skin, so is it a different, tropical strain of this species, or do I need to get him his own tank?

 

[redfisher1139]

Well, now I am really perplexed, because the heater is in the tank is now 75 and the newt likes to lay on the heater. I guess I'll be safe when it gets to 78. He does his own thing, ignores the cichlids, they ignore him, and he is eating well, so I guess everything will be ok. (I hope)

 

[N83259]

Most newts need some time out of the water. do you have a vivaria set up that has a terrestrial area and deeper water? I wouldn't just throw them in a standard chic lid tank. I could not ID your newt, but being an amphibian, it's safe to assume it needs time out of the water. I doubt it will live long without a land base. Try a terrarium/vivarium with running water where it can get out and sit on moist rocks, moss, etc. Good luck. N83259