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 recommended 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.