Can Fire Belly Newts Be Kept Alone?

Fire belly newts are, as their name implies, amphibians with brightly covered undersides patterned with red and black markings. Although fire belly newts are not extremely difficult to care for, it can sometimes be a challenge to ensure they are kept at the correct temperature, and receiving the right diet. Fire belly newts can be housed with other fire belly newts, but keeping one alone is often easier.

  1. Space

    • Fire belly newts don't require large amounts of space. A 10 gallon aquarium is large enough for a single newt, but can hold up to three young newts. However, although they don't require a lot of room, keeping a fire belly newt alone can stop tank overcrowding, which can occur when too many newts are kept together. Overcrowding can quickly lead to illness or aggression. You will not need to worry about your pet being nipped by another more aggressive newt if your fire belly newt is kept alone. Fire belly newts are also relatively secretive amphibians. Although they can usually live well in groups, they don't feel the need for companionship. Like most other newt species, fire belly newts prefer to be left alone, by both humans and other animals.

    Feeding

    • Feeding an amphibian of any kind can often be challenging, as they tend to be somewhat picky about their food. In a group or community habitat setting, pet owners may not be positive that every newt is getting the correct amount of food. In these cases, each animal may need to be fed directly, which can be very time consuming and frustrating. When keeping a single fire belly newt in a habitat, you can ensure your newt is eating correctly.

    Cleaning

    • Fire belly newts can create a considerable amount of waste. Even with filtration in the aquatic areas, frequent cleaning is needed to maintain water quality and habitat cleanliness. Dirty aquariums can lead to illness in the newt. Keeping just one newt, in the same size habitat as you would keep many newts, will help keep the habitat cleaner.

    Breeding

    • Keeping a fire belly newt by itself generally makes taking care of your pet easier. The only time you may regret your newt's solitary existence is if you want to breed it. Breeding fire belly newts in captivity can be challenging, but it is possible, when the right conditions and amount of space are provided. Usually, two or more newts will need to be kept together for up to several months, perhaps longer, in order for breeding to be successful.