Paddle Tail Newt
(Pachytriton labiatus)

Paddle tail newts can be found in central and southern China and grow up to seven inches long. Paddle tail newts are stout aquatic newts with smooth dark or light brown skin. The underbelly colors range from brown and red spots to a mixture of brown, red, orange, and white. Adult male paddle tail newts will often have bright white tail spots during the breeding season. Paddle tail newts have large flat heads and short legs and toes with broad tails that are rounded at the end. Paddle tail newts also have large lips which make them look a little bit like fish. Like many other newts, they breathe with both their lungs and through their skin.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The paddle tail newt's is 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 paddle tail newts kept) with a secure lid
• Aquarium Filter

Substrate, such as:

• Large Aquarium Gravel

A heating element, such as:

• None

Enclosure

A fully aquatic setup is recommended for paddle tail newts. A 20-gallon aquarium is adequate for a pair of paddle tail newts. Adequate filtration for the aquarium is absoutely neccesary. Despite being in a totally aquatic set-up, paddle tail newts should be provided a few floating islands to allow them to occasionally climb out of the water. At least one hiding spot should be provided for each newt, though additional hiding spots can help reduce fighting among tank-mates. Common items used for hiding spots can be sections of PVC pipe, standard aquarium decorations, clay flower pots, or flat rocks. A cover should be provided for the aquarium to prevent these newts from jumping out of the tank. A weekly partial water change of 10% - 20% is recommended. Filter cartridges should be checked regularly and replaced as needed. If gravel substrate is used, take care to clean it using a gravel washer and syphon.

Heating and Light

Paddle tail newts like cool water. Temperatures below 65° to 68°F are best, but paddle tail newts can tolerate 70° to 73°F for short periods of time. Because of this no additional heat source is needed. No specialized lighting is required either, though a standard aquarium hood can be used to provide an eight to twelve hour photo-period. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures.

Diet

Paddle tail newts are good eaters. Worms, insects, beef heart, fish, dry food pellets and frozen bloodworms are all willingly taken. The food offered should be small enough to be easily swallowed since larger food pieces will often be fought over. Any uneaten food should be promptly removed from the tank to prevent poor water quality.