Mesotriton alpestris apuanus

Mesotriton (Triturus) alpestris apuanus

Vivarium: 600 x 300 x 300 mm, aquatic with a small island, located in my glazed north-facing porch. Here they get temperatures of up to 25°C during summer heatwaves and down to 10°C in midwinter. Normal room temperatures are too warm for this species. This tank receives indirect natural light only.

Flora: Ceratophyllum demersum, Microsorum pteropus, Vesicularia dubyana (on island).

Fauna: 0.0.9 Mesotriton alpestris apuanus.

Diet: Daphnia, earthworms, whiteworms, frozen bloodworms.

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OK, here it is, my favourite digital photograph:

Spot the newt. Although this is the most aquatic Triturus species, they still a small land area, especially in the case of newly metamorphosed juveniles like these, and if the temperatures rise above the ideal range.

Hunting Daphnia:

A widely acclaimed, preeminent reference on all aspects of amphibian biology, including their life history, ecology, morphology, and evolution. Copiously illustrated with original drawings and photographs and meticulously referenced with more than 2,500 bibliographic entries, it has proved indispensable to professional biologists and students alike. (Amazon.co.UK)

The parents of these animals laying the eggs (February 2004 - thanks Morg!)

Triturus alpestris @ Caudata.org

Courting pair, with male (left) tail fanning female (right).