Cynops orientalis
Fire-Bellied Newt
Fire-bellied newts are long-lived, undemanding amphibians for cool rooms, best kept as an observation species with strict hygiene.
SalamandridaeLifespan 10–20 yearsCare complexity 3/5Not a beginner animal
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Cynops orientalis
- Family
- Salamandridae
- Origin
- Ponds and slow streams of eastern China
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm
- Weight
- Under 30 g
- Temperament
- Calm and slow-moving
- Activity level
- Low to moderate
- Social needs
- Can be kept in small groups of similar size
- Intelligence
- Learns feeding routine
- Noise
- Silent
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 40 litres semi-aquatic setup with shallow water and a land area
- Space requirement
- Horizontal space with plants and hiding places
- Temperature
- 16–22°C; heat is dangerous
- Humidity
- Semi-aquatic environment
- Exercise
- Shallow water with easy land access
- Grooming
- Not applicable
Diet and feeding
Frozen bloodworm, daphnia, small earthworms and newt pellets
Behaviour and compatibility
Swimming, floating, resting on land and displaying the warning belly colour
- With children
- Observation only; the skin secretes mild toxins
- With other animals
- Keep in a species-only tank
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Chytrid fungus
- Heat stress
- Bacterial skin infection
- Starvation from competition
- Injury from escape attempts
Amphibian-experienced vet; wash hands thoroughly after any contact
Special care requirements
Tanks must be tightly covered; newts are determined escapers