Cynops orientalis
Chinese fire-bellied newt
0 active listings · Amphibians · amphibians
Category
Amphibians
Origin
China — eastern China
About the species
The Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orientalis) is an aquatic to semi-aquatic newt in Salamandridae. Some taxonomic treatments move the species to Hypselotriton orientalis; Terra Market keeps the canonical identity Cynops orientalis and treats the newer combination as a synonym. The native range lies in eastern China, not across the whole country. Adults usually reach about 6–10 cm. In the field it lives in ponds, ditches, and on a wet bank. The bright belly warns; the skin can secrete irritants.
Origin and distribution
China — eastern China
The species is endemic; its range is restricted to eastern China within China.
Current listings
No active listings.
Care at a glance
Size
Adults usually approx. 6–10 cm total length
Enclosure type
Aquatic / semi-aquatic, cool, with a place to leave the water
Temperature
Usually approx. 16–22°C; avoid constant heat above about 24°C
Humidity
Clean, oxygenated water; the land stay moist, not rotten
Furnishings
A shallow pool, plants, hides, a gentle filter, cork at the edge
Characteristics
A calm newt; a bright belly and dusk activity
Care and behaviour
Cynops orientalis spends most of its time in water but needs a dry perch. A typical minimum for a pair is about 60×30×30 cm with a pool on most of the floor and cork or stone above the surface. Water is dechlorinated, changed regularly, and filtered gently. A strong current tires the animal. Temperature stays cool: constant 25°C shortens life and dulls appetite.
Food is small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates: bloodworms, earthworms, whiteworms, small crickets at the edge. Adults usually eat every 1–2 days. Leftovers are removed at once. Calcium is less dramatic than in tree frogs, but water quality decides skin and the external gills of juveniles.
The newt is usually calm and does not belong in a warm goldfish tank. Do not grip the tail. Secretions can irritate mucosae — wash hands after contact. The map shows eastern China, not the whole country as exact range.
Good to know
Cynops orientalis is not currently listed on the CITES Appendices. National rules still apply. Hypselotriton orientalis is synonym context, not a new Terra Market identity. The map does not paint all of China as the exact range.