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Paddletail Newt

Pachytriton labiatus · also called Paddle-tailed newt

IntermediateFamily Salamandridae

A stocky, fully-aquatic newt that needs cool, clean, well-oxygenated water.

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

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📋 At a glance

Tank
Fully aquatic 10–20 gal (usually 1 — territorial)
Temp
Cool 60–68°F · struggles above ~72°F
Water
Cool, clean, well-oxygenated with gentle flow
Food
Bloodworms, chopped earthworms, sinking pellets
Lifespan
10–20 years

✅ Hardy and characterful in cool water — a robust newt if you keep it cold and solo.

🛒 Before you buy

  • A cool/chilled setup — they are montane-stream animals and heat is deadly
  • Strong biological filtration + good oxygenation
  • An escape-proof lid
  • The plan to house it ALONE (they fight)

A healthy one: Stocky and well-fed · smooth skin · clear eyes · alert and foraging in cool water.

🚨 See a vet / act now if…

  • Floating or bloating
  • Not eating, or weight loss
  • Skin fungus, lesions, or bite wounds from tankmates
  • Gasping at the surface (too warm / low oxygen)

⛔ Never

  • Warm water (over ~72°F)
  • Housing two together (territorial fighting)
  • A poorly-filtered, low-oxygen tank

Common paddletail newt questions

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

Intermediate. A fully-aquatic, territorial newt that demands cool, clean, well-oxygenated water.

What do Paddletail Newts eat?

Bloodworms, chopped earthworms, sinking pellets

What size tank do Paddletail Newts need?

Fully aquatic 10–20 gal (usually 1 — territorial)

What temperature do Paddletail Newts need?

Cool 60–68°F · struggles above ~72°F

What water setup do Paddletail Newts need?

Cool, clean, well-oxygenated with gentle flow

How long do Paddletail Newts live?

10–20 years

What are the signs Paddletail Newts are sick?

See an exotics vet if you notice: Floating or bloating; Not eating, or weight loss; Skin fungus, lesions, or bite wounds from tankmates; Gasping at the surface (too warm / low oxygen).

Free tools for the paddletail 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.Aquatic setup plannerTank, water, filtration & drowning-prevention.Water interpreterMake sense of your water-test numbers.Male or female?The honest way to sex this one — and when you can tell.Common questionsReal questions keepers ask — answered straight.

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