How to Care for a Fire-Bellied Newt

Fire-bellied newts come in two different breeds: the Japanese Fire-Bellied Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) and the Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt (Cynops Orientalis). The Japanese Fire-Bellied Newt has rough skin with a red speckled belly. It grows to 3.5 to 5 inches long. The Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt has smoother skin and is 3 to 4 inches long, with an orange speckled belly. Aside from these differences, both are active, dark brown or black amphibians that can live 10 to 15 years with the proper care.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon or larger aquarium or glass terrarium with cover
  • Pea gravel
  • De-chlorinated or bottled spring water
  • Large rocks or cork bark
  • Aquatic or plastic plants
  • Coco husk, orchid bark, sandy top soil, compost, sphagnum moss, peat moss or live moss
  • Live plants
  • Fluorescent UVB tube light
  • Thermometer
  • Humidity gauge
  • Tank heat mat or water heater
  • Bloodworms, earthworms, maggots, Tubifex, shrimp, insect larvae and slugs
  • Amphibian-friendly disinfectant.
  • Aquarium net
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Instructions

    • 1

      House your fire-bellied newt in a 10-gallon or larger aquarium or glass terrarium. If using a completely aquatic habitat, line the bottom of the tank with pea gravel and fill the tank with about 10 inches of de-chlorinated or bottled spring water.

    • 2

      Include cork bark or large rock islands where the newt can rest, as well as aquatic or plastic plants. If opting for a split habitat, at least 30 percent of the tank needs to be land-based; while the rest should be aquatic.

    • 3

      Include a substrate such as coco husk, orchid bark, sandy top soil, compost, sphagnum moss, peat moss or live moss as well as a variety of live plants. Cover the habitat with a secure lid, so the newt won't escape.

    • 4

      Provide 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of dark. During the winter, use a fluorescent UVB tube light to provide adequate lighting. Use a thermometer and humidity gauge to make sure the temperature stays around 55 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit with 70 percent humidity. A tank heat mat or water heater can be used to regulate conditions in the habitat.

    • 5

      Feed your fire-bellied newt a varied diet two to three times a week including chopped up bloodworms, earthworms, maggots, Tubifex, shrimp, insect larvae and slugs. Each newt should be fed three or four prey items during each feeding.