Fire Belly Newt
(Cynops pyrrhogaster)

Fire belly newts can be found in Japan and parts of China and grow up to six inches long. The fire belly newt is dark brown to almost black with an orange or red underbelly with dark blotches.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The fire belly newt's smaller size make it an excellent choice for hobbyists to keep.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (20 gallons or more, depending on the number of fire belly newts kept) with a secure lid

Substrate, such as:

• Large Aquarium Gravel

A heating element, such as:

• Aquarium Heater

Enclosure

A 20-gallon aquarium with a secure lid should be adequate for a pair of fire belly newts. A semi-aquatic setup will be needed for fire belly newts so they have a place to climb out of the water and have a land area to bask or hide. There are a couple of ways to acheive this. First, you can divide the tank in half using a piece of Plexiglas and silicone to create a dry and water area. If that is not an option you can add gravel and slope it out of the water to create a land area. You can always have a mostly aquatic setting and use rocks or platforms at the water's surface for the fire belly newts to climb on to. However you setup the enclosure, there should be at least three to four inches of water to swim in an a ratio of one third land and two thirds water is best. A submersible filter will be needed as well as weekly partial water changes. A tight fitting top is needed because fire belly newts can climb the walls and get out.

Heating and Light

Fire belly newts should have daytime temperatures of 65°F to 75°F. Nightime temperatures should be 60°F to 65°F. If needed, a spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Fire belly newts do not require UV emitting bulbs, but if using live plants in your enclosure you should use a plant grow bulb. An aquarium heater can also be used to raise the water temperature. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures.

Diet

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