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Care Sheet: Marbled Newt (Triturus marmoratus)

Common Name: Marbled Newt.

Scientific Name: Triturus marmoratus.

Distribution: South-western France & the Iberian peninsula.

Size: 15-20cm.

Sexing: Females retain the bright orange vertebral line present in all juveniles. Males develop a crest of cream & black bars during breeding season.

Coloration: The back and sides are marbled in bright green & black. Juveniles & adult females have a bright orange vertebral line not present in adult males. The ventral surface is a light gray.

Requirements: A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for a group of 2-4 adults. These Newts can be housed in a semi-aquatic setup with a land – water ratio of 50/50. Furnishings such as drift-wood, cork bark, rock, pebbles and plants (live or otherwise) can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places both in and out of the water. The water must be clean de-chlorinated or spring water and will need to be filtered or partially changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. The tank will not usually require additional heating as long as the temperature of the room does not drop bellow 15°C. A low wattage fluorescent tube should be used as a light source. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.

Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including earthworm, waxworm, mealworm, maggots, and crickets should be fed every two-three days. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once a week. Young Newts will take whiteworm, bloodworm & hatchling crickets these should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.