Triturus ID Help

[poggle]

Hey all,

Recently I bought some CB T. dobrogicus, although I've become suspicious they're some other type of crested newt. After some research, I think they're either T. cristatus or some sort of mix. Does anyone have any thought or advice on IDing? I'm more than happy to upload additional photos. (Note: These pictures range from ages 4-7 months)

 

[Jensino]

The short legs and elongated body indicate a dobrogicus. A yellow dorsal line isn't unusual in Triturus dobrogicus either. But of course this ID isn't 100 % certain. Do you have pictures of a crested male?

 

[otolith]

They look like immature T. dobrogicus to me, the mostly black throat with white stippling is pretty typical for dobros. Its possible they are hybrids but T. dobrogicus is the most common Triturus species kept in the US so that seems unlikely. T. cristatus are incredibly rare in the US, I have never seen them available or heard of anyone breeding them.

nice looking newts, they look very healthy

 

[poggle]

Thank you for the input! I didn't realize how yellow their bellies could be. I'd attach a picture of a crested male, but their crests are only starting to grow and it's difficult to get a good picture.