The Paddletail Newts of the genus Pachytriton are available only a few weeks per year. Currently we obtained a shipment of very attractive specimens. Systematics of this genus are very confusing, so we are not able to determine them exactly. On our stocklist the newts are named Pachytriton cf. labiatus.
Pachytriton should be kept in clean water, some current is very good for the animals. No heater is needed, water temperature for regular keeping should be around 20°C, during the hibernation 10°C. Temporary increase of the water temperature up to 26°C does not harm the animals at all. These news are territorial, so the tank should be quite spacy. Similar as in cichlids Pachytriton give up the territorial behaviour when the population density is very high.
They feed on any type of frozen and live food that fits the mouth. These newts never leave the water as long as they feel well, they are completely aquatic.
For our customers: the animals have code 485903 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
