Saw this cute little fella outside my work. Thought about picking it up but when I looked closer it had a bright orange underbelly and thought it might be toxic. Any idea what it is? I'm in western Washington.
metamorphized mudskipper
Brown recluse.
>>2086626
rough skinned newt.
yes, toxic.
>>2086652
nah, not toxic. eat it, OP.
>>2086652
>The newt produces a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (TTX), which in this species was formerly called "tarichatoxin". It is the same toxin found in pufferfish and a number of other marine animals.
Also says touching them isn't a big deal but still, eesh.
>>2086626
You want to be careful picking them up! the heat from your hand will basically cook them in a matter of minutes. If you want to keep one have an environment prepared and transport him in something that has a little water
I've considered making a local habitat aquarium featuring these and sunfish. Bluegills are especially pretty and don't get huge like pumpkinseed sunfish. I would also use native freshwater plants. I really need to do this. OMG, it would be beautiful.
>>2086762
You probably can't keep newts with sunfish. They don't do well with fish in general, and sunfish are assholes and would likely beat them up.
>>2086651
> hey guys I did it again! I'm part of the group right guys? I know all the inside jokes guys! Pretty funny eh guys?
>>2086771
Ouch. I hadn't thought of that. Good point. Maybe half terrarium, half aquarium, just a freaking enormous tank with a good slope to the substrate so that the newts would be able to soak or hang out on mud? Nah. Too much work. Still. Great point. Thank you.
>>2086778
>implying this will stop recluseposters