Alpine Newt

Ichthyosaura alpestris

IntermediateFamily Salamandridae

A cool-climate European newt with a vivid orange belly in breeding season.

✅ We have a full, fact-checked care sheet for the Alpine Newt.

Open the Alpine Newt care sheet →

📋 At a glance

Tank: Semi-aquatic 10–20 gal (small group), water + land
Temp: COOL 50–68°F — it hates heat
Water: Dechlorinated, planted, with a land area
Food: Bloodworms, chopped worms, newt pellets
Lifespan: 10–20 years

✅ Hardy and long-lived in cool water — and stunning in breeding colours.

🛒 Before you buy

A genuinely COOL setup (50–68°F — heat is the killer)
A semi-aquatic tank with water + land + a secure lid
Dechlorinated water and plants
To CHECK LOCAL LAW (regulated/invasive in some regions)

A healthy one: Dark grey-blue with an orange belly · good weight · clear skin · using both water and land.

🚨 See a vet / act now if…

Floating or bloating
Not eating / weight loss
Skin fungus or lesions
Lethargy in warmth (overheating)

⛔ Never

Warm water (over ~68°F)
An open-topped tank
Releasing it (regulated in some areas)

Common alpine newt questions

How hard are Alpine Newts to keep — are they good for beginners?

Intermediate. A cool-climate European newt — the key is genuinely cool water and a secure lid.

What do Alpine Newts eat?

Bloodworms, chopped worms, newt pellets

What size tank do Alpine Newts need?

Semi-aquatic 10–20 gal (small group), water + land

What temperature do Alpine Newts need?

COOL 50–68°F — it hates heat

What water setup do Alpine Newts need?

Dechlorinated, planted, with a land area

How long do Alpine Newts live?

10–20 years

What are the signs Alpine Newts are sick?

See an exotics vet if you notice: Floating or bloating; Not eating / weight loss; Skin fungus or lesions; Lethargy in warmth (overheating).

Free tools for the alpine newt

Calm, honest help — each one knows when to say "see a vet."

Symptom checkerTriage a worrying sign and know when to see a vet.

Water-or-land plannerAquatic or terrestrial? Right for its life stage.

Feeder cultureCulture your own feeder insects, cheaply.

Male or female?The honest way to sex this one — and when you can tell.

Common questionsReal questions keepers ask — answered straight.

📚 More newts guides

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