
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pleurodeles waltl
The largest European newt, native to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. It defends itself by pushing its sharp ribs out through the orange warts along its flanks. Almost entirely aquatic, it is hardy and breeds readily in captivity.
Pleurodeles waltl, the largest newt in Europe, occurs in central and southern Iberia and northern Morocco. Wild animals reach 30 cm, although captives usually stay at 15-20 cm. The body is flattened with a broad flat head, an adaptation for slipping under rocks. Eight to ten pairs of orange tubercles line the flanks, and when threatened the newt pushes its sharp ribs out through them. At the same time glands release a milky toxin, so the protruding ribs inject poison into a predator's mouth. The pierced skin regrows quickly without infection. Its range is arid and drought-prone, so it gathers in whatever water is available, from ponds to irrigation channels, and hides under rocks when the water dries. Keep it in a densely planted aquarium with a small floating land area and a water level of 15-20 cm, preferably below 21 C.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Iberian Ribbed Newt lives 10-15 years.
The Iberian Ribbed Newt grows to 15-20cm (up to 30cm in the wild).
The ideal temperature for the Iberian Ribbed Newt is 21℃.
Origin
Central and southern Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) and northern Morocco
Lifespan
10-15 years
Sources: Caudata Culture: Pleurodeles waltl / 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: Pleurodeles waltl Michahelles, 1830
Synonyms: Triton costatus Wagler, 1830, Pleurodeles exasperatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854, Bradybates ventricosus Tschudi, 1838
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.
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Size
15-20cm (up to 30cm in the wild)
Temperature
21℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Chopped earthworms, newt and turtle pellets, shrimp pellets, slugs and insects
Keep the water below 21 C, as some animals become stressed when warmer. It withstands cold well, meeting near-freezing temperatures in the wild. Rear larvae at around 20 C; at 30 C females undergo sex reversal and develop as males.
Use a densely planted aquarium with a small floating land area. Keep the water at 15-20 cm outside the breeding season and raise it for breeding. If you use gravel, choose a grain size too large to swallow.
An opportunistic feeder that responds well to food. Offer chopped earthworms, newt or turtle pellets, shrimp pellets, slugs and insects, and remove leftovers promptly.
Peaceable with little conspecific aggression, so groups work well. It is active in the water and forages across the bottom. Small fish that fit in the mouth will be eaten.
The rib defence is harmless to people, but the toxin released with it is not, so wash your hands after handling. The species is not listed on any CITES appendix.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Iberian Ribbed Newt is 21℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Iberian Ribbed Newt is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Iberian Ribbed Newt typically reaches 15-20cm (up to 30cm in the wild) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Iberian Ribbed Newt feeds on: Chopped earthworms, newt and turtle pellets, shrimp pellets, slugs and insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Iberian Ribbed Newt varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026