Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2001 - 2003 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed
daily. It is recommend that a concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
Common Name:
Fire Belly Newt Latin Name: Cynops pyrrhogaster
Native to:
Japan and parts of China Size Range: 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. 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 newts to climb on to.
Whichever way is used, there should be 3-4 inches of water to swim in. A ratio of
⅓
land and ⅔ 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.
Substrates:
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:
They 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.
Maintenance:
Water will need to be added if it starts to evaporate. The filter should be cleaned
and rinsed every two weeks. Clean entire aquarium as needed. Handlers should always
wash hands thoroughly after handling animals or animal related products.