{"product_id":"spanish-ribbed-newt","title":"Spanish Ribbed Newt","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"k91qqg\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"47\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eSpanish Ribbed Newt (\u003cem data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"46\"\u003ePleurodeles waltl\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"466\"\u003eThe Spanish Ribbed Newt is one of the largest and most fascinating fully aquatic newts available in the hobby. Renowned for its unique defence mechanism, peaceful nature, and prehistoric appearance, this remarkable amphibian makes an excellent choice for dedicated coldwater or temperate aquariums. Its olive-brown body is decorated with distinctive orange spots along the sides, giving it an unmistakable appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"468\" data-end=\"815\"\u003eUnlike many amphibians, the Spanish Ribbed Newt spends almost its entire life in the water. Curious and surprisingly interactive, these newts will often learn to recognise their keeper and eagerly approach the front of the aquarium at feeding time. Their slow, graceful movements and inquisitive behaviour make them captivating animals to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"btwrrx\" data-start=\"817\" data-end=\"855\"\u003e🌿 Why Choose Spanish Ribbed Newts?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003e🦎 One of the largest fully aquatic newts available\u003cbr data-start=\"908\" data-end=\"911\"\u003e🧡 Distinctive orange spots running along the ribs\u003cbr data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"964\"\u003e🧠 Intelligent and often recognises its keeper\u003cbr data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1013\"\u003e🌿 Ideal for species-only or temperate aquariums\u003cbr data-start=\"1061\" data-end=\"1064\"\u003e💪 Hardy and long-lived with proper care\u003cbr data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003e✨ Fascinating behaviour and prehistoric appearance\u003cbr data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1160\"\u003e🏆 A unique alternative to keeping fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1493\"\u003eSpanish Ribbed Newts are native to central and southern Spain and parts of Morocco, where they inhabit ponds, reservoirs, slow-moving streams, irrigation channels, and seasonal wetlands. They thrive in cool, well-oxygenated water with plenty of aquatic vegetation and submerged hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"eyqbfy\" data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1518\"\u003e📏 Care Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003e🧬 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1563\"\u003ePleurodeles waltl\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003e📛 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1585\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spanish Ribbed Newt\u003cbr data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1608\"\u003e🏠 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1625\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90L+ recommended for a pair\u003cbr data-start=\"1653\" data-end=\"1656\"\u003e📏 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 25–30cm\u003cbr data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1691\"\u003e🌡️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"1695\" data-end=\"1711\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16–22°C (avoid temperatures above 24°C for extended periods)\u003cbr data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003e⚗️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003cbr data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1802\"\u003e🧘 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1821\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful, though opportunistic towards smaller tank mates\u003cbr data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1882\"\u003e🍽️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1895\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthworms, bloodworm, chopped prawns, mussels, waxworms, sinking carnivore pellets, and other protein-rich frozen or live foods\u003cbr data-start=\"2024\" data-end=\"2027\"\u003e👥 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2045\"\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups if adequate space is provided\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2404\"\u003eSpanish Ribbed Newts thrive in spacious aquariums with gentle water movement, excellent filtration, and numerous hiding places created with driftwood, rocks, caves, and hardy aquatic plants. A soft sand or smooth gravel substrate is recommended to prevent injury during feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2606\"\u003eAlthough fully aquatic, they must have access to the water's surface to breathe atmospheric air. A secure lid is essential, as they are capable climbers and can escape through surprisingly small gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"19tjahi\" data-start=\"2608\" data-end=\"2627\"\u003e🐠 Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2629\" data-end=\"2695\"\u003eSpanish Ribbed Newts are best kept in a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2694\"\u003especies-only aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2697\" data-end=\"2814\"\u003eIf companions are considered, they should only include similarly sized, cool-water species under careful supervision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2840\"\u003eAvoid keeping them with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2842\" data-end=\"3049\"\u003e❌ Tropical fish requiring warmer temperatures\u003cbr data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2890\"\u003e❌ Small fish that may be eaten\u003cbr data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2923\"\u003e❌ Aggressive or fin-nipping species\u003cbr data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"2961\"\u003e❌ Crayfish or large crabs\u003cbr data-start=\"2986\" data-end=\"2989\"\u003e❌ Other amphibians with different environmental requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"9ghvog\" data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3069\"\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3071\" data-end=\"3398\"\u003eSpanish Ribbed Newts possess one of the most unusual defence mechanisms in the animal kingdom. When threatened, they can push the tips of their ribs through special pores in their skin, exposing toxin-coated rib tips to deter predators. This behaviour is rarely seen in captivity but highlights just how unique this species is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3400\" data-end=\"3521\"\u003eThese newts are long-lived and can live for \u003cstrong data-start=\"3444\" data-end=\"3467\"\u003e15–20 years or more\u003c\/strong\u003e with proper care, making them a long-term commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3523\" data-end=\"3745\"\u003eUnlike many aquarium animals, they prefer \u003cstrong data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3594\"\u003ecooler water temperatures\u003c\/strong\u003e and should not be housed in heated tropical aquariums. During hot weather, aquarium temperatures should be carefully monitored to prevent overheating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3915\"\u003eSpanish Ribbed Newts produce a relatively high amount of waste, so efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential for maintaining excellent water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3917\" data-end=\"4240\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe Spanish Ribbed Newt is a fantastic choice for UK amphibian enthusiasts looking for an unusual, intelligent, and rewarding aquatic pet. With its prehistoric appearance, fascinating natural behaviours, and hardy nature, it provides endless interest and makes a truly unique centrepiece for a dedicated temperate aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J\u0026K","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58428761244029,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4983\/3648\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_sgvxmrsgvxmrsgvx.png?v=1784721367","url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/spanish-ribbed-newt","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}