Eastern Spotted Newt
(Notophthalmus viridescens)

Eastern spotted newts can be found in the eastern portions of the United States and Canada and grow up to five inches long.

Eastern spotted newts are aquatic as larva and adults, but are terrestrial as a juvenile. Eastern spotted newts are often referred to as an eft or red eft in this stage which can last one to seven years. The adult eastern spotted newt ranges in color from greenish-brown to yellowish-brown above. There may be rows of spots or incomplete stripes of bright red with black borders along either side of the body. The belly is yellow to orange in color. The entire body is covered with small black speckling.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The eastern spotted newt's smaller size make it an excellent choice for hobbyists to keep.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (20 gallons or more, depending on the number of eastern spotted newts kept) with a secure lid

Substrate, such as:

• Large Aquarium Gravel
• Non-fertilized Soil
• Sphagnum Moss

A heating element, such as:

• None usually required

Enclosure

A 20-gallon aquarium with a secure lid should be adequate for a pair of eastern spotted newts. A semi-aquatic setup will be needed for eastern spotted newts so they have a place to climb out of the water and have a land area to bask or hide. There are a couple of ways to acheive this. First, you can divide the tank in half using a piece of Plexiglas and silicone to create a dry and water area. If that is not an option you can add gravel and slope it out of the water to create a land area. You can always have a mostly aquatic setting and use rocks or platforms at the water's surface for the eastern spotted newts to climb on to. However you setup the enclosure, there should be at least three to four inches of water to swim in an a ratio of one third land and two thirds water is best. A submersible filter will be needed as well as weekly partial water changes. A tight fitting top is needed because eastern spotted newts can climb the walls and get out. When selecting a filter try to select one with a gentle flow or take steps to divert the flow of water since the eastern spotted newt prefers still water.

Heating and Light

Eastern spotted newts should have daytime temperatures of 60°F to 75°F. Nightime temperatures should be 60°F to 65°F. In winter months the temperature can be allowed to drop to 40°F. Because of their preference for cooler temperatures, additional heat is almost never needed. Eastern spotted newts do not require UV emitting bulbs, but if using live plants in your enclosure you should use a plant grow bulb.

Diet

Eastern spotted newts will take a variety of prey, including chopped earthworms, bloodworms (live or frozen), blackworms, and strips of beef heart. Some eastern spotted newts may eat comercial fish and amphibians pellets as well, though they should not be a staple. Make sure the prey is small enough for the eastern spotted newt to eat it. Efts will require fruitflies, pinhead crickets, whiteworms, or very small earthworms, waxworms, or mealworms.