Sometimes aquariums are installed just to decorate the interior of the room. Its inhabitants are watched, but they do not feel much enthusiasm for this. But today's article is intended for those who are really interested in observing the inhabitants of their aquariums. Do you know that in a water house you can contain not only fish, but also exotic newts?
let's get acquainted
Spanish Triton is a tailed amphibian, which is attributed to the genus of small newts. In nature, the animal lives in a limited range and is officially recognized as endemic. The place of distribution of this amphibian is the Iberian Peninsula, and more specifically - Spain and Portugal.
Spanish triton is classified as a small species because its size in natural conditions does not exceed 10 cm. Females are usually even smaller, their maximum size is less than 8 cm. An adult amphibian has a slightly elongated head with glandular protrusions at the transition to the back. The tail of these newts is long and slightly flattened on the sides. Females have short, widely spaced legs; in males, the length of the limbs is slightly longer. This type of newts lacks a crest.
In captivity, the Spanish triton, the content of which in the aquarium is not fraught with great difficulties, reaches significantly larger sizes. Adults come across 20-25 cm long. These amphibians spend most of their life in water. Their skin is smooth and shiny, and their color ranges from olive to brown. On land, the Spanish newt is gradually changing. His skin coarsens and becomes thicker and rougher.
Additional Information
In some sources, the name " Spanish Triton sparkling" is found. Amphibians got this name due to small tubercles-growths on the skin. With a certain degree of imagination, these tubercles can be mistaken for short needles or thorns. If the animal is scared, then the needles become more visible. Since this species of amphibians is the easiest to take root and breed in captivity, it will be offered to you, as a beginner, in a pet store.
Sometimes on sale is found newt Spanish gold. Most often these are young individuals, and over time, their skin color will become darker.
Optimal conditions
Creating good conditions for an unusual pet is not at all difficult. Needle tritons are unpretentious in temperature and lighting. For a comfortable life, the Spanish Triton should be in a two-stage aquarium. In extreme cases, a large flat stone can be put at the bottom, which will protrude from the water. In the aquarium, it is imperative to place living plants and decorative elements in which an amphibian can hide from excessive attention.
Pebbles are used to make the bottom. Its size should not allow pets to drag pebbles into their mouths.
It is not necessary to warm up the water in the aquarium for a newt. Its temperature can range from +15 to +25 ° C. But the best option would be +20 ° C. So in the warm season the water will have to be even slightly cooled.
If the aquarium is two-level, then the land can be arranged as a swampy meadow or covered with moss. Do not forget that the tank must be covered with a transparent cover, otherwise the newt will simply run away.
Oxygen level in water
Unlike an aquarium with fish, it is not so important for newts to maintain a certain level of oxygen in the water. The fact is that for breathing, the triton floats to the surface, and does not use oxygen dissolved in the aquatic environment. The main thing is that the water should be fresh, settled, not filtered and not boiled.
Do not skimp on the purchase of an aquarium filter, otherwise the water will quickly become dirty. Animals get a certain amount of air from the skin with water, which is abundantly equipped with small capillaries. In process of coarsening and contamination of the external integument, newts are renewed, shedding skin.
Aquarium dimensions
For a pair of Spanish newts, a reservoir is needed, the volume of which is about 40 liters. One amphibian needs up to 15 liters of water for life. Spanish newts easily get along in groups, so you can get 5-6 individuals at a time.
Some hosts contain sparkling newts along with fish.
Triton spanish: keeping in a fish tank
This is not to say that this is the right decision. First, fish need warmer water. Secondly, fish and newts will hunt each other (depending on gluttony and size). Thirdly, the fish are more mobile, which means they will be the first to keep pace with the feeder, and the newts will remain hungry. But if you really want to, then in the same aquarium you can combine newts and guppies, catfish and corridors. Large snails, turtles and frogs will feel good here.
Feeding rules
Triton is a predator, which means it will have to be fed live food. For these purposes are suitable:
- various types of worms (flour, rain);
- bloodworm (in small quantities);
- flies;
- small snails, grasshoppers, crickets.
In no case should you feed your pet with fatty foods. Meat, fat, pieces of poultry skin are not suitable for newts.
Young amphibians (up to two years old) should receive a portion of feed daily. Adults - 2-3 times a week.
Breeding
Watching the mating games of newts is very interesting. So, how does the Spanish newt behave? Reproduction in the aquarium occurs from early autumn to late spring. Animals become sexually mature at the age of one. The male attracts the partner’s attention, swimming under her and clasping her legs from below. For a while, the couple moves around the aquarium, hugging each other closely. Then the male swims forward and passes the spermatophore to the female. The female catches him with her cesspool.
The laying of eggs begins two days after fertilization. The process takes several days. There are a lot of eggs, they must be separated from adult newts, otherwise the offspring will be eaten.
Young growth appears in 10 days. Plankton is used as food for it, which they begin to give on the fifth day after the appearance of offspring.
Something about behavior and content
Over time, the Spanish newts get used to the person who feeds them. They cease to hide at its approach and, on the contrary, float to the surface.
Frightened or excited amphibians make harsh sounds, something like croaking.
Home newts can be picked up, but not often, because for them this is a stressful situation. For these amphibians, the temperature of your hands is very high, and they quickly overheat.
Do not be alarmed if in the winter your pets become lethargic or fall asleep. Lower the temperature of the water and leave the animals alone for a while.
If you have properly organized the care of the Spanish newts, but they will please you for a long time. At home, these amphibians can live for more than 20 years.