By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Newts are essentially a type of salamander. I can’t tell you how many new owners of recently-imported newts are unable to get their newts to eat non-live foods. The primary distinction between the two is that Newts often emerge from the water while salamanders do not. Thus, technically all Newts are salamanders, but not all salamanders are Newts. Newts eat small invertebrates, which is similar to what reptiles of their size do. Newts are carnivores. are their main food source. My 3 most-recommended foods for newts … A Newt is any member of the salamander family in the Pleurodelinae subfamily. The salamander is considered by most to be either a slimy amphibian or an interesting pet. Yet, those raised in captivity can have a wider variety of foods. Cover your newt’s aquarium with a screened lid to discourage escapes, and keep the aquarium away from drafts and out of the direct sun. Along with acidity levels exceeding PH 7, this is toxic for your pet newts and salamanders. Tadpoles, shrimp, aquatic insects, insect larvae and mollusks are on the menu in … Newts need a home with land and water areas. Do not ever feed your newt plants, because they do not have the ability to digest these, which means that the plant material will stay in your pet’s stomach and rot, eventually killing it. They eat slugs, worms, small invertebrates, amphibian eggs and insects on land. Newts have a tail resembling a paddle while the tail of a salamander is more rounded. If your pet amphibian will be sharing space with fish, add a floating platform for newt-docking. Red Spotted Newt - Notophthalmus viridescens. In the water, their diet is pretty diverse as they can eat small fish, shrimps, larvae, mollusks, tadpoles, and even fish eggs. I suspect that live blood worms would be good for the smaller ones. Obese pet newts and salamanders are now becoming a frequent sight at the vets far more than they used to be. Researchers recognize over 100 different species across the globe. However, they also feed on slugs, insects, and amphibian eggs whenever they are on the land. Another characteristic to differentiate the newt is in the tail. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Shredded frozen shrimp and fish might make a good staple for them. I disagree. Large ground beetles can predate upon juvenile crested newts in pitfall traps. Some aquatic newts may acclimate to shrimp pellets. Adult newts in turn may be preyed upon themselves by foxes, badgers, rats, hedgehogs and even shrews have been found to feed on smooth newts. What do California newts eat? Though a newt may eat frozen or dried food, occasional servings of live food are essential. Reptomin sticks seem to me a particularly poor recommendation as a first choice food. One important fact to be aware of is that ammonia can accumulate in your average 20 gallon tank. Newts are carnivores, and insects, worms etc. - Answered by a verified Pet Specialist. Your local pet store may have a frozen food that they can recommend. The Red-spotted newt is one of the most popular pet newts in the United States. 19 bird species including kestrels, storks, buzzards, fish eagles, bitterns and even herons. Like most newts, they are relatively easy to keep in captivity, provided that you can acquire a steady supply of small vertebrates and invertebrates for them to eat.