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Help Identifying Newt

T

TylerMcUncool

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Please, help! My step father recently caught some minnows and crayfish for his aquarium, and along with those was a newt (pictures attached). It may still be in its tadpole phase, but I was curious to see if there was any way to identify it as it is now. It is about an inch and a half in length right now, if that helps.

I was also curious to know if I should move it to its own enclosure, and what might I need to make it more comfortable and healthy.
 

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This isn't a newt, this is the larvae of a dusky salamander, Desmognathus sp. It will eventually metamorphose into a terrestrial adult. Based upon your location this is most likely a spotted dusky salamander, Desmognathus conanti.
 
Oh! Thank you very much, Snowgyre! This helps a lot!
I suppose all I need now is information on how to handle and care for it. I've grown attached to the little guy.
 
It should be separated from the crayfish. Crayfish can be very predatory in a small aquarium. I haven't worked with this type of salamander before, but generally speaking, keep it cool. Most small waterdogs can successfully feed on frozen bloodworms, which are available at any petco/smart or aquarium specialty store. A few are picky and require live. Make sure that you have an easily accessible land area for when the larva is ready to metamorphose. Adults need a cool humid environment with plenty of hiding places and access to fresh, dechlorinated water. Again, haven't worked with this species, but small live bugs generally work as prey.
 
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