Description

Spanish / Sharp-Ribbed Newt – Pleurodeles waltl

Captive-bred Iberian/Spanish ribbed newts, a large predominantly aquatic salamandrid species widely maintained in laboratory and specialist captive collections.

Beginner/hardiness wording corrected

We have removed claims that this is automatically one of the “hardiest” aquatic newts or an “ideal introduction” for every beginner. Their aquatic lifestyle makes observation straightforward, but good water quality, correct temperature and secure housing remain essential.

Housing

Provide a spacious aquarium with high water quality, secure cover, submerged refuges and appropriate aquatic planting/hardscape. Group housing can work when space and feeding access are adequate, but monitor individuals for competition or injury.

Temperature

This is a cool-water species. Frogfather previously listed 16–24°C as a general range; avoid treating the upper end as an ideal target. Published laboratory husbandry protocols provide species-specific management and support avoiding unnecessary heat.

Feeding

Offer a varied aquatic carnivore diet such as appropriately sized earthworms and other suitable aquatic/invertebrate foods. We have removed the claim that variety automatically produces “vibrant colouration”; diet quality should be judged by body condition, growth and health rather than cosmetic colour alone.

Defensive mechanism

Pleurodeles waltl has a remarkable defensive system involving the ribs and specialised skin/gland structures. We have softened the old phrase “toxin-coated glands”: studies demonstrate concentrated granular glands containing proteinaceous secretions thought to be repellent or poisonous, but the mechanism is more complex than a simple coating of each rib with toxin.

Handling

Handle only when necessary. Avoid triggering defensive behaviour and wash hands after contact.

Live-Animal Husbandry Review

Last reviewed: 5 September 2026

Temperature, moisture, enclosure size, social compatibility and supplementation should be matched to the species, life stage and individual animals. Frogfather therefore avoids treating a single RH percentage, fixed enclosure size or pair/group formula as a universal rule.

Evidence & further reading

Additional information

Weight	1 kg
Dimensions	10 × 10 × 10 cm

Shipping & Returns

📦 Shipping & Returns

Shipping: Most items are delivered within 3–7 working days via tracked courier.
Live animals: Frog deliveries are scheduled in line with our terms of service and Delivery Policy using DEFRA-registered couriers. You’ll be contacted to arrange a suitable delivery date.
Custom vivariums: Made to order with a short lead time, agreed before purchase.
Returns: Free 30-day returns for non-live goods. See our Returns Policy.
Need help? Contact us anytime at thedon@frogfather.co.uk.

Zain Ali

Very happy with my experience, my plant came in perfect condition and Tony was incredibly helpful and approachable. The customer service was amazing every step of the way and I couldn't be happier with my new plant.

julie powell

I ordered three Santa Isabels from Tony on the 8th of August (my birthday) the moment the email came to say they'd become available again 😊 They were personally delivered by the great Frogfather himself yesterday, just two days later, on the 10th, which was a lovely surprise and it was so very nice to meet Tony in person! The Santa's looked beautifully healthy and super cute, were packed very well and kept moist in their own transport tub. They are incredibly sweet 💙 I was also thrilled to receive a very generous care package and care sheet for the darts, and lots of good advice from Tony! Again very unexpected but most welcome. In all, a fantastic experience buying frogs from the Frogfather and I'm sure I'll be back for more soon! Cheers Tony!

Neil Smith

Today I picked up my first ever tank and it looks great and I cannot thank Tony enough for the help and guidance he has given me. His knowledge is second to none and I would highly recommend anyone who wants to get started speak to the Frogfather first and use the course material provided on the website.

Darren Whyman

Dealing with Tony at frogfarther is a experience in itself. The man has so much knowledge and experience it's hard to go wrong. His breeding programmes to welfare. unique supplements that he has created to better the frogs natural colours and strength to vivarium builds is unrivalled. I have complete confidence knowing he's always on the end of the phone should I ever need him I would never use another breeder.

michael wilson

excellent service from A to Z Delivery 5* Communication 5* Products 5*

Laura Kingford

Absolutely epic customer service from this company. We've placed a few orders with them previously and always been very happy with the quality and service. This time round, I placed the order (knowing I was approaching last minute ordering!) and got in touch to let them know I was happy to pay for express shipping if there was anything they could do to help me. A couple of very friendly and helpful messages later from Tony, and the parcel landed on my desk in less than 24 hours. Customer service like this is a breath of fresh air these days and very much appreciated. If you're considering purchasing from these guys, no need to hesitate. Fantastic product offering and competitive prices. I run an invert business, and I'm now seriously contemplating the need for frogs in my life. Cheers Frogfather! :)

Kai Dudek

Got my D.Leucs & Mourning Geckos from Tony who is a standout guy, when a frog arrived sickly and I messaged him on Whatsapp he assisted me in the process of trying to help them. Other frogs and geckos arrived safely and are now thriving in my care for some months. Will be buying more from him in the future. Hope to see you at an expo in the future!

Ashley dawson

Lovely bloke, really helpful, was able to help me straight away. Will definitely be coming back for more business.

Humy stitch

🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸 I honestly can’t recommend Tony enough. My mum recently lost her beloved frog and was absolutely devastated. Tony was so kind and supportive throughout the whole situation. He took the time to explain what may have happened, reassured her not to blame herself, and answered all of our questions with so much patience and knowledge. We ended up getting a beautiful adult Azureus from him, along with a stunning vivarium, and my mum is absolutely over the moon. You can tell Tony genuinely cares about his frogs and wants them to go to the best possible homes. The frogs are clearly very well cared for, and his knowledge is incredible. Nothing ever felt rushed or like a sales pitch — he was just genuinely helpful from start to finish. Thank you, Tony, for all your kindness and help. We now have a very happy frog mum again! 🐸

Lochlann Mccarthy

Had a Custom built Vivarium From FrogFather. The Build was incredible and the Scape inside was just perfect for me would highly recommend.

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Spanish / Sharp-Ribbed Newt – Pleurodeles waltl – Captive Bred

Description