How to care for Fire Belly Newt

Common Name: Fire Belly Newt

Latin name: Cynops pyrrhogaster

Native to: Japan and parts of China

Size: up to 6 inches

General appearance: Dark brown to black in color with the ventral (belly) side being orange or red with dark patches.

Housing requirements:

Enclosure: A semi-aquatic aquarium will be needed. Fire belly newts need to climb out of the water and have a land area to bask or hide. You can do this in different ways:

1. Dividing the tank in half using a piece of Plexiglas to create a dry and water area.
2. Add gravel and slope it out of the water to create a land spot.
3. Use rocks or platforms at the waters' surface for the fire belly newts to climb on to.

Whichever way is used, there should be 3-4 inches of water to swim in. A ratio of 1/3 land and 2/3 water is best. A submersible filter will be needed or water changes daily. A tight fitting top is needed because they can climb the walls and get out.

Temperature: Room temperature at 68° - 70° F seems to be fine for them.

Heat/Light: A normal fluorescent or incandescent aquarium light can be used during the day. Turn off the light at night to produce a natural setting.

Substrate: Large aquarium gravel should be used so it is not accidentally ingested. Plants, rocks, moss and wood can be used to create hiding areas and land portions.

Environment: Semi-aquatic

Diet: Fire belly newts will take live insects including crickets, wax worms, and bloodworms. Make sure the prey is small enough for the newt to eat it. Some will eat fish food such as shrimp pellets, brine shrimp, or turtle floating food sticks.