Crocodile Newt

Looks how to spot one

Skin

Crocodile newts have a robust, flattened head and a row of orange or brown tubercles along the ribs, which gives them a knobbly, crocodile-like appearance. The base colour is chocolate brown to black, with orange or lighter brown markings on the tail, head, legs and rib bumps. The amount of orange varies between individuals and becomes darker with age.1

Personality what they are like

Crocodile newts are generally peaceful and can be housed in small groups of similarly sized adults if plenty of hiding spots are provided. They are slow-moving and mostly nocturnal, spending daylight hours hiding in moist shelters or submerged. Males can be territorial, so adequate space and multiple hides help reduce conflicts. They are admired for their display qualities rather than interaction and should be handled sparingly, if at all, because their skin secretes irritating toxins.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs. They are slow-moving and spend much of the day hiding. When aquatic, they become active foragers and may swim eagerly at the glass for food. A spacious enclosure with both land and water areas allows them to choose their preferred environment.14

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming is needed. The enclosure should be kept clean, with regular water changes to maintain good water quality. Uneaten food should be removed promptly to prevent ammonia spikes. Handling should be avoided due to their sensitive, toxin-secreting skin; if necessary, use wet hands or powder-free gloves and limit contact time.31

Home where they are happiest

A damp horizontal terrarium or paludarium is required, with a minimum size of 80x40x40 cm for a small group. Provide a deep, soft substrate of organic soil, leaf litter and live sphagnum moss, along with cork bark hides and smooth rocks. A shallow, wide water dish or a water area of 12-15 cm depth should be included. The temperature should be kept above 18°C (64°F) for aquatic activity, with a cooler winter period if desired. A sizable island or land area is essential so the newts can emerge from the water if they choose.124

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Feed on earthworms, crickets, roaches, bloodworms, blackworms, small slugs, soft beetle larvae and other suitably sized invertebrates. Adults should be fed 2-3 times a week. Dust food with calcium and multivitamin supplements twice a week when feeding terrestrial prey.123

Company who they like around

Peaceful and can be housed in small groups of similarly sized adults if multiple hides are provided. Do not mix with other species. Males can be territorial, so adequate space is important. Handling should be avoided due to their toxin-secreting skin.23

The story where it all began

The Himalayan crocodile newt (Tylototriton verrucosus) was first described by John Anderson in 1871. It is the most widespread of the crocodile newts and has been kept by amphibian enthusiasts for decades. In captivity, it is valued for its striking crocodile-like appearance and its active, inquisitive behaviour when aquatic. Several colour variants exist, and the species has been bred successfully in home aquariums.154