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Yellow-spotted newt (Neurergus crocatus)

Yellow-spotted newt (Neurergus crocatus) in a terrarium

Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Yellow-spotted newt (Neurergus crocatus) (origin: Northern Iraq, western Iran, south-eastern Turkey). Adult size around 13–18 cm. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Yellow-spotted newt: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm, two thirds water.

Yellow-spotted newt: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 14–21 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 10–16 °C.

Yellow-spotted newt: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Yellow-spotted newt: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 12–20 years.

Yellow-spotted newt: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
14–21 °C
Night temperature
10–16 °C
Basking spot
No basking spot
Humidity
Aqua-terrarium
UVB
Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm, two thirds water
Substrate
A water section 20–30 cm deep, stones, a current, a land section

Feeding

Food
Earthworms, frozen food, freshwater shrimp
Feeding interval
2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
13–18 cm
Life expectancy
12–20 years
Origin
Northern Iraq, western Iran, south-eastern Turkey
Protection status
CITES II; IUCN "Vulnerable"
Brumation
A cooler spell of 10–14 weeks
Cohabitation
A group. Only put together animals of the same species and roughly the same size — smaller ones will otherwise be treated as food. Offer enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed them separately when they differ in size.

Notes

Larger than N. kaiseri, black with yellow spots. A mountain-stream species – it needs cool, moving water. Unlike kaiseri "only" Annex B, which makes the trade simpler.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Yellow-spotted newt (Neurergus crocatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm, two thirds water), substrate (A water section 20–30 cm deep, stones, a current, a 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urmia-Molch, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurergus_crocatus

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).