Common Name: Rough Skinned Newt or Oregon Newt
Latin name: Taricha granulose
Native to: Coastlines of northwest North America from southwest Alaska to the San Francisco Bay area of California
Size: 4.5 - 7 inches in length
General appearance: The rough skinned newt is a generally plain dark brown dorsally with a bright yellow or orange ventrally and a thin orange crest which runs along the lower tail. The skin is granulated in appearance except for some times during the breeding series when the skin is smooth. The rough skinned newt is also identifiable by its well-developed limbs and flattened head. The Oregon newt also secretes a toxin as a defense mechanism
Housing requirements:
Enclosure: A 36-inch terrarium is usually adequate for up to two pairs of rough skinned newts, though a larger enclosure will be needed for breeding rough skinned newts. The enclosure should be two-thirds land and one-third of four to six inches of water. Branches for climbing and hiding places should be provided.
Temperature: Because Oregon newts originate from a temperate climate, rough skinned newts can easily be maintained at temperatures of at least 60° F (typically room temperature is adequate).
Heat/Light: Ultra-violet light is not necessary with rough skinned newts and typically additional heat sources should not be needed. A 12-hour photoperiod should be provided and can easily be achieved with the use of standard fluorescent lamps and a timer.
Substrate: Aquarium gravel covered with sphagnum moss for the land portion of the enclosure. A synthetic foam can also be used as a substrate since it holds humidity well.
Environment: Rough skinned newts come from highly humid hilly or mountainous regions. Occasionally they can also be found in grassland areas.
Diet: Several different foods can be fed to Oregon newts. Tubiflex worms, small earthworms, small fish, brine shrimp, beef heart, and crickets can all be offered. Commercially available newt food or sinking fish food pellets can also be fed.
Maintenance: Some sort of filtration should be provided for the water or daily partial water changes should be performed. The land portion should be spot cleaned regularly. Thorough cleanings can be achieved by using a 5% bleach solution. Be sure to thourghly rinse the enclosure after using the bleach solution. It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the newt or cleaning the cage and cage accessories because of the toxic secretions of the rough skinned newt.
