Chinese Fire Bellied Newt

Cynops orientalis

"Best Choice" Pet Best Choice

The Chinese Fire Bellied Newt (Cynops orientalis) is a small (2 - 4 inches long) semi-aquatic black salamander with a bright orange belly. It is mildly poisonous, and the bright color is believed to warn potential predators of the salamander’s toxicity. The Chinese Fire Bellied Newt is widely distributed in southern China, where it is abundant in ponds and streams. They feed on live small invertebrates such as bloodworms, earthworms, water fleas (Daphnia), adult brine shrimp, blackworms, tubifex, and mosquito larvae.

Chinese Fire Bellied Newts are commonly sold in pet stores, where they are easily confused with the similar Japanese Fire Bellied Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster). Japanese Fire Bellied Newts typically have smoother skin and rounder tails. Most Fire Bellied Newts in the pet trade are wild-caught and have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years.

Did You Know?

The bright orange belly on this amphibian is believed to warn potential predators of the salamander’s toxicity.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

The Chinese Fire Bellied Newt is listed by the International Union for theConservation of Nature (IUCN), an organization that tracks the status of wildlifepopulations, as a species of Least Concern due to its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, and presumed large and stable population.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a Chinese Fire Bellied Newt, ask if the animal was captive-bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.

Invasion Threat Best Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Little Cause for Concern

The Chinese Fire Bellied Newt is not known to be invasive. The species is slow to mature and therefore unlikely to become invasive in the U.S.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before obtaining a Chinese Fire Bellied newt, make sure that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Best Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Little Cause for Concern

There is little information on the negative impacts associated with the harvest, captive breeding, handling, or transport of Chinese Fire Bellied Newts.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring a pet Chinese Fire Bellied Newt, research its specific care requirements. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper diet and how to maintain a healthy pet. When purchasing a Chinese Fire Bellied Newt, ask if the animal was captive bred. When possible, always buy a captive-bred animal.

Health Threat Best Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Little Cause for Concern

Before acquiring a Chinese Fire Bellied Newt, be sure to ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring a Chinese Fire Bellied Newt, be sure to ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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