Anderson's crocodile newt (Echinotriton andersoni)
Photo: User:OpenCage / CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Newt

Anderson's crocodile newt care guide

Echinotriton andersoni

ExpertCITES – buy captive-bred

The anderson's crocodile newt is a expert-level newt from Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Adults reach 13–19 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. A terrestrial newt that lays eggs on land near water; captive-bred animals are scarce.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 16–22°C, keep cool
  • Humidity 70–90%

How much does a anderson's crocodile newt cost in Canada?

Animal$300–600Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$270–500Enclosure $120–230 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $90
Yearly upkeep$100–200Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$670–1300All prices CAD, estimates

Anderson's crocodile newt quick facts

Skill level
Expert
Adult size
13–19 cm
Lifespan
15–20 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
16–22°C, keep cool
Humidity
70–90%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Carnivore – earthworms, crickets, roaches
Bioactive style
Terrestrial amphibian

Anderson's crocodile newt enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm

Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.

Temperature: 16–22°C, keep cool. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a anderson's crocodile newt eat?

Carnivore – earthworms, crickets, roaches. Feed adults every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Hands-off; sharp rib tips and toxic skin.

Health watch: Overheating and Bsal risk.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove uneaten food.
  • Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top of the soil.

Recommended for a anderson's crocodile newt bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).

Anderson's crocodile newt FAQ

Is the anderson's crocodile newt good for beginners?

No – the anderson's crocodile newt is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Hands-off; sharp rib tips and toxic skin.

What size enclosure does a anderson's crocodile newt need?

At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a anderson's crocodile newt cost in Canada?

Typically $300–600 CAD to buy, about $270–500 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a anderson's crocodile newt need?

Temperature: 16–22°C, keep cool. Humidity: 70–90%.

What does a anderson's crocodile newt eat?

Carnivore – earthworms, crickets, roaches. Feed adults every 2–3 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.