How to Care for Eastern Newts

Eastern Newts make wonderful and interesting pets. Many people are probably familiar with their juvenile form, the red eft, but don't realize that they are the same animal. They are native to the Eastern US, and I often see them and their efts on my summer hikes. They like water and so the tank should have 2 or more inches for them. A filter is also necassary unless you wan't to do frequent water changes. They are docile and agree in groups so 3 or 4 individuals can live in a 10 gal tank. For mine I used gravel as a substrate, with drift wood, and live aquatic plants for decoration. They eat worms (chop them if big) and other invertebrates. Some individuals will accept pelletized food but I'm not a fan of it for more than supplementation. They do not require external heating. As they do breed in captivity, I will be discussing how to raise newt larvae in a later post, maybe closer to Spring.

Fire Salamander Basic Care

Fire Salamanders are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and make great beginner amphibians. They may be striped or spotted. Like most colorful amphibians their markings serve as a warning to predators that they are poisonous (don't worry about touching them. Just don't put them in your mouth). They are terrestrial and like moist substrate with plenty of places to hide, and a shallow water bowl . For mine I used eco-earth and cork bark. A 5 or 10 gallon tank is perfect for an adult. They love worms and insects. Fire salamanders can become quite tame. Mine would often eat out of my hand. They do not need added heat, and are mostly nocturnal so no added light either. The above pic is of my fire salamander. I had him 5 years before giving him away.