Pleurodeles: Guida Completa al Tritone Costoluto per Acquariofili Curiosi

🐸 Pleurodeles: The Armored Newt

Valerio Chiaradonna

If you're a fan of unusual and mysterious animals, there's one amphibian that absolutely deserves your attention: the Pleurodeles sp. , also known as the ribbed newt . A name that already conjures up something extraordinary—and trust me, it truly is.

📍 Who is the Pleurodeles?

Pleurodeles is a genus of newts belonging to the Salamandridae family. Native to areas such as Spain, Morocco, and Algeria, it is known for a unique characteristic: when it feels threatened, it literally pushes its ribs out of its skin to defend itself, without injuring itself! This incredible mechanism is most common in the Pleurodeles waltl species, the most widespread in captivity.

✅ Why choose a Pleurodeles?

  • Easy to manage : No heaters, complicated filters or expensive installations required.
  • Fascinating to observe : its slow movements, ancient gaze and defensive behaviour make it an almost "prehistoric" animal.
  • Long-lived : can live 10 years or more with the right care.
  • Compact : it does not exceed 20–25 cm and adapts well to small aquaterrariums.

🏠 How is it raised?

The Pleurodeles is semi-aquatic , but thrives in fully aquatic tanks, as long as they're shallow. Here's what you need:

  • Aquarium at least 40–60 cm.
  • Cold, clean water , with regular changes (no heater!).
  • Optional but welcome emergence area .
  • Food based on bloodworms, earthworms, mosquito larvae, and specific pellets for newts.

🧠 Frequently Asked Customer Questions

  • Is it poisonous?
    No, but it secretes irritating substances: it is best not to handle it often.
  • Can I keep it with other animals?
    Best avoided. May be territorial or easily stressed.
  • Do you need a permit to keep it?
    No, if it's captive-bred (like the ones we sell in our shop). It's not covered by CITES.

🎯 Animal Instinct's advice

The Pleurodeles is an ideal pet for those who want to begin their exploration of the amphibian world without complications, but with great aesthetic and educational satisfaction . It is a quiet, robust, and truly unique creature.

At our store in Rome , you can find healthy, captive-bred specimens , with all the accessories and advice for easy and safe care. Come visit us or contact us on WhatsApp for availability and reservations!

📍 Where to find us

Animal Instinct Rome

For more details and to purchase products:

Via di Monte Verde, 2, 00152

acquariofilia1978@gmail.com

Telephone: 06 87691 933

Mobile: 338 838 1624

Discover all our available items on our website www.animal-instinct.it

Pleurodeles: A Complete Guide to the Ribbed Newt for the Curious Aquarist
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