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amphibianbeginner
Eastern Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens
The American classic — juveniles are bright orange land-dwelling 'red efts,' adults return to the water olive-green with red spots. Fascinating at every stage.
3–5 in12–15 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal paludarium
Temperature
60–72°F — cool
Humidity / Water
Aquatic / damp land mix
Heating & lighting
No heater — cool and clean. A paludarium with plenty of water and gentle filtration suits aquatic adults; efts need damp land.
Diet
Feed these
- Frozen bloodworms
- Earthworms
- Brine shrimp
- Small insects
Never feed
- Warm tanks above 72°F
- Any fish (toxic skin, nipped toes)
- Frogs
- Handling — wash hands before and after
Feed every other day. Adults stalk the planted shallows; juveniles hunt in damp leaf litter. Captive-bred only, please — wild populations carry diseases.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Other eastern newts — same size
Never house with
Any fish Frogs Fire salamanders kept at different temps
Same-species groups of the same size coexist well. Their eft juveniles wander land for years before returning to the water — a whole life cycle in one animal.
