Hong Kong warty newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Hong Kong warty newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) (origin: Southern China, Hong Kong – mountain streams). Adult size around 11–15 cm. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Hong Kong warty newt: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm, three quarters water.
Hong Kong warty newt: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 15–22 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 12–17 °C.
Hong Kong warty newt: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Hong Kong warty newt: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Hong Kong warty newt: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 15–22 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- Mostly aquatic
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm, three quarters water
- Substrate
- A water section 20–30 cm deep, a current, stones, a small land section
Feeding
- Food
- Earthworms, frozen food, freshwater shrimp
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 11–15 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- Southern China, Hong Kong – mountain streams
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; protected in Hong Kong
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Group. Only combine animals of the same species and roughly the same size - males in particular often become quarrelsome and can bite each other seriously if there are too few retreats. Provide plenty of hiding spots so every animal can retreat, and feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
A stream dweller: it needs oxygen-rich, moving and cool water rather than a still tank. Robust, but the males can get rough with each other.
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Hong Kong warty newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) currently offered
- 15 Ornithoctoninae sp. "Hon-Sej" slings – Gent · 475 €
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What you need to start
To keep Hong Kong warty newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm, three quarters water), substrate (A water section 20–30 cm deep, a current, stones, a small land section), a heat source with a thermostat, 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_warty_newt, https://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Paramesotriton/P_hongkongensis.shtml
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).