
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ichthyosaura alpestris
A newt widespread across continental Europe. The back and sides are dark grey to blue and the belly and throat a plain orange. Breeding males show a low crest barred in black and yellow and a strong blue flush on the flanks.
Ichthyosaura alpestris is a newt widespread across continental Europe, measuring 7-12 cm, with larger animals in some high-altitude populations. The back and sides are dark grey to blue-grey, while the belly and throat are a plain, unspotted orange or red. Males are smaller and slimmer than females but more brightly coloured, and in the breeding season develop a low crest barred black and yellow along with a strong blue flush on the flanks. Despite its name it lives in lowlands as well as mountains, spending most of the year on land in woodland and migrating to puddles, ponds and lakes to breed. Females fold their eggs into the leaves of water plants. Larvae reach about 5 cm in three months before metamorphosing, although southern populations often stay aquatic as paedomorphs. In captivity never let the temperature exceed 23 C; 10-18 C is preferred. Provide at least 20 cm of water depth and avoid strong currents.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Alpine Newt grows to 7-12cm.
The ideal temperature for the Alpine Newt is 10〜18℃.
Origin
Continental Europe, from the mountains to the lowlands; introduced to Great Britain and New Zealand
Size
7-12cm
Temperature
10〜18℃
Humidity
Sources: Caudata Culture: Triturus (Ichthyosaura) alpestris / Wikipedia (English)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Ichthyosaura alpestris (Laurenti, 1768)
Synonyms: Triturus alpestris (Laurenti, 1768), Mesotriton alpestris (Laurenti, 1768), Hemitriton alpestris (Laurenti, 1768)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
40〜70%
Earthworms, maggots, frozen bloodworms, daphnia and whiteworms
The critical rule is never to exceed 23 C, with 10-18 C preferred. Keep the tank out of direct sunlight. For breeding, give a cooling period of two to three months at 2-4 C.
It is strongly aquatic, so use a fully aquatic or semi-aquatic layout with at least 20 cm of water, plants for egg-laying and stones for cover. It is a still-water species, so avoid strong flow. It climbs glass, so a lid is essential.
Adults take earthworms, maggots and strips of lean meat. Larvae and juveniles take brine shrimp, tubifex, frozen bloodworms, daphnia and whiteworms. The redder the food, the redder the belly colour.
Peaceable and suited to groups. It is active in the water and easy to observe. Do not mix species, as related newts hybridise.
It has established in Great Britain and New Zealand, where concern about disease transmission to native amphibians has led to eradication efforts. Never release it outdoors in Japan either.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Alpine Newt is 10〜18℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Alpine Newt typically reaches 7-12cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Alpine Newt feeds on: Earthworms, maggots, frozen bloodworms, daphnia and whiteworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Alpine Newt varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026