Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orphicus)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orphicus) (origin: South-eastern China). Adult size around 8–11 cm. Life expectancy 8–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chinese fire-bellied newt: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×30×30 cm aqua-terrarium.
Chinese fire-bellied newt: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 14–22 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 12–18 °C.
Chinese fire-bellied newt: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0).
Chinese fire-bellied newt: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–20 years.
Chinese fire-bellied newt: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 14–22 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–18 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- Aquarium with a land section
- UVB
- Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×30×30 cm aqua-terrarium
- Substrate
- A water section with dense planting and a small land zone
Feeding
- Food
- Freshwater shrimp, daphnia, tubifex and small earthworms
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–11 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–20 years
- Origin
- South-eastern China
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cool rest of 8–10 weeks at 8–12 °C
- Cohabitation
- Group. Several animals of the same species and similar size in a sufficiently large, densely planted tank with hiding places and a land area; a pair or trio is the calmest. Males may squabble over food, so offer food in several spots. Do not mix with other species or much larger animals.
Notes
A small newt, in the water all year round. Keep it cool, and cool it actively in summer if need be.
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Related species
- Blue-tailed fire-bellied newt (Cynops cyanurus) – Beginner
- Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orientalis) – Beginner
- Japanese fire-bellied newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) – Intermediate
- Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) – Intermediate
- Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) – Expert
- Anderson's crocodile newt (Echinotriton andersoni) – Expert
- Anderson's salamander (Ambystoma andersoni) – Intermediate
- Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) – Beginner to intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Chinese fire-bellied newt (Cynops orphicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×30×30 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (A water section with dense planting and a small land zone), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_orphicus.shtml, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynops, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynops_orphicus, https://salamanderland.com/articles/articles-caresheets/cynops-orientalis
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).