Hi!

I have a newt, called a godzilla newt when I purchased it, sorry I don't have the capability to post a photo. It lives in a 45 gallon aquarium with assorted fish (for the last 3 years at least) and is currently way too big to be normal. I have a nasty feeling that it decided the aquarium gravel was edible. Is there any way to help it? Is there a newt laxative? I am prepared to remove it to a smaller 'sick' tank with no gravel until the stones are passed and then possibly change the strata in the tank if that's what it takes. It seems to be in good health other than the oversized belly. It currently dines on blood worms, any fish it can catch (usually the guppies I keep replacing) and an overgrowth of algae on it's bubble house. It is an overall mottled tan with a line of orangish spots down either side.

Any info would be helpfull. Thanks.

Hello,

I am completely ignorant when it comes to newts, but I did want to say that you have the right idea. You should get it out of that tank if you suspect it is eating the gravel. This will allow you to monitor the newt better as well. Good luck and keep this thread updated so we know what is going on!

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Thanks Rich

Here is a pic of my godzilla newt actually a spainsh or sharp ribbed newt

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...1/DSC00025.jpg

She is an eater and usually has a big belly, but my other newt I had swallowed stones and didn't pass them so sadly he didn't make it. I am not sure if there is anything that can be done.

I do Furryscaley knows his stuff, so he can help =) i hope your newt will be ok!

Hi Paige,

Thanks for the pic, but sadly it's too dark for me to make out your newt so I'm not sure if mine would be a match. I'm hoping for the best and will post with any changes.

Thanks!

Hi!,
I browsed for another picture of a spanish newt and came up with a Spanish Ribbed newt - that's what mine is - thanks for the lead.

sure but thanks to Furryscaly he is the one who found it for me.

Yep Matt is our ID-Meister!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

lol, I have not yet accepted that title

Yeah, Spanish ribbed newts are sometimes known as "Godzilla newts" in the pet trade. As Rich said, you've got the right idea to remove the gravel from the newt's environment. Newts are notorious gravel eaters when large enough. Unfortunately there's really nothing that can be done if your newt did swallow any gravel, but let's hope that's not the problem.

You may wish to read this thread that Paige started a while back about her newt. I think it might help you with yours:

http://www.herpcenter.com/11722-my_n...ng_normal.html

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+5 bonus points to whoever finds me a job!

"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

=) my newt is doing great now by the way! I would love to have a huge tank and tropical fish with her, but the temp requirements are too different...so she will have to stay in the 10 for awhile. BUT I do have a spare 20 I am thinking of setting up for her! YEAH!