A Little Something Different?

Here is our rundown on how to look after some of the more unusual species available to buy.

Various unusual species need different care and attention. There is one common rule however, and that is to ensure the water quality is in top condition (just as with fish). Make sure all water is filtered, frequently waterchanged, and dechlorinated. Plus, always make sure the 'chill' is taken off the fresh water with a little boiled.

Any species not listed that you would like more information about, one of our staff members can help you.

 

Newts

The tank must be filtered, with ideally 'platforms' outside of the water that they can rest on if they wish. They like to be fed on live and frozen bloodworms. Newts are generally a peaceful species. However, the Paddle-Tailed Newts can be agressive. Paddle-Tailed Newts will fight if only males are introduced into the tank. Plus there is a chance they can boss smaller newts around e.g Alpine and Fire Bellied Newts.

Some Newts can be kept with fish. Some, can leak toxins into the water than can potentially kill smaller fish. Larger Newts can also eat smaller fish if they have the opportunity. They cannot be in a tank with large and/or aggressive fish, or species such as crabs, crayfish, lobsters etc,.

Because Newts can leak toxins, it is very advisable to wash your hands after handling them. Before picking up Newts, please wet your hands as dry skin can damage theirs.

Finally, you must make sure the tank they will be living in is firmly secure. Newts are very good climbers, and can climb up filter wires and dry glass to escape the tank.

Tropical Frogs and Toads

Both of these tropical species will stay submerged, so do not need places to rest outside of the water. They can be kept in a filtered tank with fish, but not with agressive ones or nippy creatures such as crabs etc,. Frogs will stay small and are very peaceful, so there's no need to worry about them eating small fish. Toads however, get extremely big so care should be taken over which tankmates will be living alongside them. They will eat small fish when bigger, and may outgrow smaller tanks. Both species must be fed live/frozen worms once or twice a week as their main diet.

Oriental Fire Bellied Toads

Toads should be kept in a filtered tank, with minimal water (about 2-3 inches). They mainly spend most of their time outside of the water, so make sure they have plenty of rocks/wood to sit on. Toads should not be kept with fish. They leak toxins into the water that can be hazardous to fish. However, newts can live happily alongside them. You should feed Toads live and/or frozen bloodworms.

Most Toads will take food from your hand. If they do or you pick any of them up, you must wash you hands afterwards. Before picking up Toads, please wet your hands as dry skin can damage theirs.

Toads are very good escape artists. So you must secure your tank.

Tropical Crabs

These crabs will spend their time submerged in the water, so do not need places to get out. They are perfectly ok to be in a filtered tank with certain fish. Don't mix them with bottom dwelling fish like catfish and loaches as the crabs will nip them. And, definately don't mix them with tropical Toads or Frogs as their soft skin will be torn apart by the crabs.

Crabs will scavenge around the gravel, but will love to be fed live/frozen bloodworms, granules and any other sinking foods.

Secure the tank as they will try to escape.

Axolotls

Axolotls can reach anything up to 7-14 inches, so need a very large tank when adult. They must be kept in a filtered tank. Having plenty on space is very important as fighting may occur. Axolotls prefer a temp of 60-64F. Some lower temperatures lead to decreased metabolism and loss of appetite. Temps above 75F are very stressful to Axolotls.

They don't come out of the water (unless the water is too warm), so the tank can be filled. Water quality is extremely important. Make sure a water change/gravelwash is frequently carried out and don't forget to dechlorinate the water.

Excessive water flow can lead to disease. Reduce the flow on the filter or direct the filter so that the water flow is directed at a glass side of the tank, or towards the surface.

Feeding:

Axolotls are carnivores, so they require a meat based diet. Their food is generally swallowed whole, so food must be small enough to to fit in their mouths. They will feed on such foods as bloodworms (live or frozen), earthworms (chopped small), whiteworms, daphnia, brineshrimp and other frozen foods. Mealworms are hard to digest because of the hard exterior, so should not be fed.