At first glance, skinks and newts have many similarities. However, potential new owners should understand that these are completely different species. They don’t even belong to the same class of animals. Skinks are reptiles, while newts are amphibians. Understanding this is crucial when it comes to caring for them properly. In this guide, we’ll examine both creatures, so you can choose the right one for you.
Skinks and Newts Have Different Physical Characteristics
Skinks and newts may look similar to the naked eye, but they’re entirely different animals. The former is a type of lizard, while newts are more closely related to frogs and toads.
Newts are like other amphibians in that they have moist and clammy skin. They can breathe through it, as well as their gills and lungs. This is very different from skinks. These tiny lizards have dry scales and shed their skin.
Skinks are usually small, but there are larger-sized specimens, including the Solomon Islands Skink. This huge lizard may reach up to 32 inches in length, including their tail. There are about 100 species of newt across the world, while there are about 1,500 species of skink.
Pet Skinks and Newts Require Different Set-ups
Skinks and newts have very different habitats with physical adaptations to match. Newts spend most of their time in water, like most other pet amphibians. It’s common to find them in garden ponds, ditches, and shallow streams. However, there are terrestrial versions that inhabit woodlands.
Skinks, on the other hand, are lizards and would drown if submerged in water. They typically burrow under substrate (like rotted logs). Some of these reptiles are arboreal and spend most (if not all) of their lives climbing from tree to tree.
Owners should recreate their pets’ natural habitat when setting up their enclosure. For example, newts require plenty of moisture in their natural environment, or their skin will dry out. For popular pet species like the fire-bellied newt, there should be a water/land area with a 70/30 percent split. This gives them plenty of space to swim while giving them a spot to bask. Include rocks, logs, and other ornaments for them to hide among.
Unlike newts, a skink will need plenty of space to climb. A taller tank is better than a wide one for this reason. Also, the correct substrate is crucial for your skink’s health. Coconut fiber and topsoil are popular choices to help maintain humidity levels while reducing the risk of impaction. Again, there should be plenty of hiding places for a pet skink. Don’t forget to add a large but shallow water bowl!
Newts and Skinks Have Different Dietary Requirements
Skinks and newts have specific and different dietary needs. Newts are carnivorous and enjoy live food. Bloodworms, earthworms, and crickets are popular choices. You can dust these critters with nutrient powders to provide a healthy boost for your pets. It’s fun for owners to watch their newts hunt, and it also offers enrichment. Newts may also eat fish food pellets, but this isn’t a guarantee. Always remove leftover food to keep the water clean. Also, source live food from trusted dealers, so you don’t risk introducing parasites to your tank.
Meanwhile, skinks have more diverse dietary requirements because many species are omnivorous. Like newts, they will eat feeder insects and worms. You can provide them with ground meat and pinky mice as treats. Green vegetables, including kale and spinach, are crucial for their diet. They provide fiber and vital minerals that prevent lizard-specific health conditions. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is one of the biggest health risks for skinks and many other lizards, but it’s preventable with a well-balanced diet.
Skinks and Newts Have Different Tank Parameters
It’s essential to have the correct tank parameters for your pet newt or skink. For example, fire-bellied newts need a water temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A mid-range is ideal, as they can become susceptible to fungal diseases at higher temperatures. They also need a light cycle with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
Blue-tongue skinks (a popular pet reptile) have trickier care requirements because you must also ensure the proper humidity levels. It should be constantly between 40 and 60 percent. Meanwhile, they need a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooler area of their enclosure. Their basking spot must be 90 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit with UVB lighting for 12 hours per day. There should also be a warm area at the midpoint of this range. Different skink species may have specific requirements, so check before you set up their terrariums.
Popular Pet Newt and Skink Species
As noted, blue-tongue skinks are the most popular pet skink species. They hail from Australasia and have a reputation for being very friendly. Many owners agree that caring for them is more rewarding than other common reptiles, including geckos and bearded dragons. Blue-tailed skinks and fire skinks are also popular, but the blue-tongue is the most widespread.
Fire-belly newts hail from China and Japan. They are mildly poisonous, but this doesn’t stop people from keeping them. They have a striking appearance with their distinctive underbellies. Other popular newts include crested and marbled newts.
Are Skinks or Newts Better for Beginners?
Prospective owners should understand the challenges of caring for these creatures before bringing one home. It’s fair to say that it’s probably easier and cheaper to care for newts than skinks. They don’t require as big a tank or specialized accessories, so they may be a better choice for smaller spaces. You can keep these low-maintenance amphibians at room temperature, too. This makes them a good option for first-time exotic pet owners and supervised children.
Skinks are trickier because of their temperature requirements. However, it’s not so difficult to care for them after the initial set-up. Another benefit is that owners can handle some skink species. This is a no-go with newts because of their delicate skin.
Skinks make more interactive pets for this reason. Both creatures enjoy relatively long lifespans, with skinks living up to 25 years. Newts may survive up to 20 years in captivity.
