Fire Bellied Newt Cynops orientalis One Of My First Pets!  The Fire Bellied Newt or Cynops Orientalis is a beautiful and interesting pet. These newts originate from China and are a very commonly kept species. Reaching an adult size of 4"-6", Fire Bellied Newts can be maintained easily in smaller enclosures, with a simple setup and something to get out of the water. I have had mine for 13 years and counting. Fire Bellied Newt-Cynops orientalis Origin-Asia Size-4"-6" Temperment/Handling-Newts should be handled as little as possible. If handling is necessary wash and rinse hands well and keep moist during handling. Hardiness/Life Span-Very hardy. Mine are long lived! Housing-Going against much you will ever read about the housing of these frogs, I will tell you how I keep mine.  I keep mine in a ten gallon aquarium with a African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis). I use about a 2" layer of aquarium gravel with a large rock for the newts to get out on and about six inches of water. I do use a secure screen lid just in case. I use no filter though many recommend it.  I have had my Fire Bellied Newts and African Clawed Frog for 13years and counting.  I got them when I was about 9yrs old. Some times they will fight, but obviously not too bad if they have lived this long.  Being my first pets I will never change my methods on this species!  Other Peoples Way-Most people keep Fire Bellied Newts in a 10-20gal aquarium with no other species.  Start with a 2"-3" layer of aquarium gravel and fill the aquarium with 6"-8" of spring or aged tap water. Place select driftwood or corkbark as a way for the newts to get out of the water to breath. Add some floating aquatic plants for hiding, as any planted ones may get uprooted. A good aquarium filter will will aid in water maintenance. Enclosure maintenance-Honestly I only change my water every 2-3 months. The water does get dirty, but it has done them just fine.  It is recommended by some, you change the water every couple weeks, once a month is a good filter is used. Check all electrical devices as often as possible to help prevent fire hazards.  Lighting-I use a fluorescent bulb as they do fine at room temp. I maintained no regular lighting schedule until about two years ago. The lights should be left on 12hrs a day throughout the summer months and 9-10 hrs a day in the winter.  I recommend keeping all lighting on a timer, it saves the hassle of manually turning on and off the lights every day. Heat/Temp-Fire Bellied Newts do fine at normal room temperature say 68F-80F. in most places. Aquarium heaters may be used during the cooler months. Humidity/Water-Semi-aquatic, only surfacing to breath.  Only use spring water or tap water that has been aged for at least 24 hours.  Do not use distilled water or water directly from the sink. Diet/Food-I have successfully maintained mine on Reptimin floating sticks it's whole life and within the past few years an occasional escaped cricket.  Some like bugs As a general rule food items should be no larger than the width of the head. Commonly used food items include commercially raised crickets, meal worms, wax worms, and various other insects. Wild insects are readily accepted, but make sure they haven't come in contact with any pesticides.  All food items should be gut loaded (fed a nutritious diet of various greens, potatoes, and cricket food) for at least 24hrs prior to feeding. Good luck dusting vitamin dusting insects, it will just fall off in the water. I believe the Reptimin to be just perfect. Sexing- Other-13yrs and counting! Many people don't believe me when I speak of my first pets, but hey, call my mom she wouldn't lie! Last Updated-01/20/03 Aaron Downing            ReptileAaron@aol.com  https://www.angelfire.com/me4/pets Disclaimer-Everything on this page is a matter of my personal opinion.  It is meant to help with the keeping and maintaining of pets, but I am not saying I am always right.  As always do lots of other research and do what is in the best interest of you and your pet.