Spanish Ribbed newt

Spanish ribbed newts can handle a wide range of water temperatures, but do best between 66 and 74 degrees.
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Temperature extremes on the cooler end of the range are not a problem; ribbed newts can handle temperatures down into the mid 40s without suffering any health problems.

You can keep ribbed newts with fish, but choose wisely. Keeping them in a tank with Oscars or other large cichlids—or any other large, aggressive, predatory fishes—will not work for obvious reasons. They have been kept ribbed newts with guppies, mollies and platies without a problem, but remember that these newts are capable of swallowing anything that will fit in their mouths. Avoid small catfishes because they would mostly occupy the bottom of the aquarium where the newts would commonly feed. There have been accounts of dead Corydoras catfish found lodged in the mouths of dead newts, so avoid any species of bottom-feeding catfishes.

Feeding ribbed newts is very easy. I have raised them from juveniles to healthy adults in less than 10 months while feeding them exclusively on commercial newt or aquaculture pellets of the sinking variety. There are several types available at pet stores and online.Â

Ribbed newts will also eat frozen bloodworms, frozen adult brine shrimp, live earthworms, blackworms and white worms. Make sure the food items offered are appropriate for the size of your newt. Always feed sparingly, until you can establish the proper amount that your newt(s) will consume in about 20 minutes. As mentioned, incorporate fasting days into the feeding routine so both the newts and the water quality will be healthier.

Spanish ribbed newts do well in captivity and can live more than 10 years if their basic requirements are provided. Within a short period of time they usually become very responsive and trusting enough to take food from your fingers. Their large size, friendly personality and easy care requirements make them a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.Â