leucistic spanish ribbed newt adults (pleurodeles waltl)

Leucistic Spanish Ribbed Newt Adults (Pleurodeles waltl): Striking Aquatic Pets with a Bold Personality

If you’re looking for a hardy, visually striking amphibian with fascinating behavior and manageable care needs, leucistic spanish ribbed newt adults (pleurodeles waltl) are a perfect choice. These large, aquatic newts are known for their incredible regenerative abilities, bold personalities, and beautiful coloration—especially in the leucistic morph, which features pale skin, light pink tones, and red gills.

Whether you’re a seasoned amphibian enthusiast or a curious beginner, you can find healthy leucistic Spanish ribbed newts for sale at OneStopReptileShop.com, where top-quality animals and expert advice come standard.

What Makes Leucistic Spanish Ribbed Newts Uniqueleucistic spanish ribbed newt adults (pleurodeles waltl) ?

The Spanish ribbed newt is native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Morocco. The leucistic form is not found in the wild—it’s a selectively bred morph prized in the hobby for its ghostly white coloration, bright red external gills, and curious nature.

Unlike many newts that are shy and reclusive, Pleurodeles waltl are known for being interactive. They often swim up to the glass to greet keepers and actively explore their tanks, making them ideal display animals.

Size and Lifespanleucistic spanish ribbed newt adults (pleurodeles waltl)

Adult Spanish ribbed newts can grow between 8 to 12 inches in length, making them one of the largest newt species commonly kept in captivity. Leucistic individuals retain this impressive size and can live up to 15 years or more with proper care.

Housing and Enclosure Setup

As fully aquatic amphibians, leucistic Spanish ribbed newts require a spacious tank with clean, well-oxygenated water and a secure lid (they are known escape artists!).

Recommended tank setup:

• Tank size: 20 gallons minimum for one adult; 30+ gallons for groups.

• Substrate: Bare bottom or smooth gravel (avoid sharp edges).

• Water: Cool, dechlorinated water (64–72°F); no heater needed.

• Filtration: Sponge filter or low-flow canister filter.

• Decor: Driftwood, live or fake plants, hides, and floating cork bark.

Although they are fully aquatic, offering occasional access to land or floating surfaces is a bonus. You’ll find everything you need—from sponge filters to floating ledges—at OneStopReptileShop.com.

Diet and Feeding

Leucistic Spanish ribbed newts are enthusiastic eaters and accept a wide variety of meaty foods. In captivity, their diet should include:

• Earthworms and blackworms

• Bloodworms (frozen or live)

• Shrimp (fresh or freeze-dried)

• Sinking pellets (amphibian-specific or soft fish food)

• Small strips of raw fish or lean meat (occasional)

Feed adults 2–3 times per week, offering only what they’ll consume in 5–10 minutes. Remove leftovers to maintain water quality.

Behavior and Social Compatibility

One of the most exciting features of this species is its “rib defense” mechanism—while not dangerous in captivity, wild Pleurodeles can push their ribs through their skin to deter predators. This fascinating evolutionary defense adds to their uniqueness but does not typically occur in well-cared-for pets.

Spanish ribbed newts are social animals and can be housed in groups, but avoid overcrowding and ensure all individuals are similarly sized to reduce food competition or aggression. They are peaceful toward tankmates of the same species but may try to eat smaller animals.

Breeding in Captivity

Pleurodeles waltl breed readily in captivity, especially when provided with a seasonal temperature drop and increased feeding. Males often develop black keratinized pads on their limbs during breeding season. leucistic spanish ribbed newt adults (pleurodeles waltl)

Females lay gelatinous egg strings on aquatic plants or tank decor. Eggs hatch in 1–2 weeks, and larvae are fully aquatic from birth. Rearing larvae separately improves survival rates.

Why Choose Leucistic Spanish Ribbed Newts?

• Bold and visible: Not shy like many amphibians.

• Striking appearance: leucistic spanish ribbed newt adults (pleurodeles waltl) coloration with red gills.

• Hardy and long-lived: Great for beginners or experienced hobbyists.

• Captive-bred availability: Ethical sourcing through specialty reptile shops.

They are perfect for display tanks and educational setups and are sure to grab attention with their graceful movements and interactive behavior.

Shop Healthy Adults and Supplies Today

Looking to add a pair or group of leucistic Spanish ribbed newt adults (Pleurodeles waltl) to your aquatic collection? Shop confidently at OneStopReptileShop.com, your trusted source for high-quality amphibians, aquatics gear, and expert care guidance.