Care sheet
Spanish Ribbed Newt
Pleurodeles waltl
Also known as: Iberian Ribbed Newt
Salamandridae ยท Urodela
- Activity
- ๐ Nocturnal
- Temperament
- Hands-off
- Adult length
- 6โ12 in
- Lifespan (captivity)
- 10โ20 yrs
- Native range
- Iberian Peninsula and Morocco โ ponds and slow water
Care guide
Overview
Spanish Ribbed Newt (Pleurodeles waltl) โ the largest and one of the hardiest aquatic newts, making it an excellent beginner caudate. Keep it in a cool, filtered, largely aquatic tank; it stays underwater most of the time. Avoid warm rooms.
Environment
Climate
Housing
Enclosure
- HatchlingNot specified
- JuvenileNot specified
- Adult20 gal for a pair; largely aquatic, water 8-12 in deep with hides
Housing
Substrate
Nutrition
Diet & feeding
- JuvenileDaily
- AdultEvery 2-3 days (worms, pellets, insects)
Varied diet of earthworms, bloodworms, and sinking pellets; occasional calcium. Keep water cool and clean.
Care
Water & behavior
Aquatic setup: cool 60-72F water (chiller in warm rooms), gentle filtration, weekly partial changes; land area optional.
Legal & ecology
Conservation
IUCN Near Threatened; not CITES-listed. One of the hardiest aquatic newts and a great beginner caudate โ tolerant of a range of conditions but needs cool, clean water.
Genetics
Morphs
Citations
Sources
Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.
- Pleurodeles waltl โ AmphibiaWebacademic
AmphibiaWeb, UC Berkeley
Iberian range, largely aquatic biology, hardiness.
Published: 2020-01-01
- government
Near Threatened; not CITES-listed.
Published: 2019-01-01
- Spanish Ribbed Newt Carebreeder community
Caudata.org community
Aquatic tank, cool water temps, filtration, worm/pellet diet.
Published: 2020-01-01