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Spanish Ribbed Newt
Pleurodeles waltl
A big, gentle, fully-aquatic newt — friendly, rubbery, and bizarrely able to push its ribs out as spikes when threatened.
6–8 in, up to 1210–15 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal aquatic with a land area
Temperature
60–72°F — cool water
Humidity / Water
Aquatic · pH 7.0–7.5, cool
Heating & lighting
No heater — cool water is essential; they sicken above 75°F. Gentle filtration, lots of plants, and an easy ramp to a land area.
Diet
Feed these
- Earthworms
- Frozen bloodworms
- Sinking newt pellets
- Small snails
Never feed
- Tropical temperatures
- Fish tank mates — nipped toes and stressed newts
- Strong currents
- Deep hot water
Feed every other day. They recognize their keeper and waddle to the glass at feeding time — one of the most personable amphibians.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Other ribbed newts — same size
Never house with
Tropical fish — temperature and toxin mismatch Betta and other nippy fish Any frogs or tropical amphibians
Same-species groups coexist calmly. Their skin toxins and slow movement make them a poor mix with any fish.
