SpeciesChinese fire-bellied newt
Chinese fire-bellied newt
Cynops orientalis
A small aquatic newt kept cool: In summer the room temperature is the problem, not the heating in winter.
- Group
- Amphibian
- Level
- Beginner
- Origin
- East Asia
Where the species comes from
- World region
- East Asia
- Countries
- Central and eastern China
- Habitat
- Cool standing waters in hill country
The app does not yet hold an origin entry for this species. The distribution given here comes from the specialist literature.
The natural habitat is the yardstick for how you furnish an enclosure. Knowing where an animal comes from is knowing why it needs heat zones, hides and a particular humidity.
Husbandry at a glance
The same details appear in the animal’s profile inside the app.
- Enclosure
- Aquarium from 60 × 30 cm for three to four animals, water depth 15–25 cm.
- Temperature
- 16–22 °C. Above 24 °C it becomes critical: Keep cool in summer.
- Humidity
- Aquatic.
- Lighting
- Dim, no strong lighting.
- Substrate
- Fine sand or gravel large enough not to be swallowed.
- Furnishings
- Dense water plants, roots, a small island or piece of cork.
- Water
- Cool, clean water with gentle flow; weekly partial change.
- Feeding
- Two to three times a week, water fleas, mosquito larvae, small worms.
- Behaviour
- Mostly in the water, calm, easy to watch by day.
- Handling
- Do not handle.
- Cohabitation
- Groups of equally sized animals.
- Health
- Warmth above 24 °C leads to fungal infection and losses: The most common problem in summer.
- Seasonal cycle
- A cool phase in winter at 8–12 °C.
- Safety
- No permit required. Never release.
Legal position in Switzerland
No permit foreseen
No permit required. The species does not belong to any of the groups listed in Art. 89 of the Swiss Animal Welfare Ordinance
No certificate of competence foreseen
No proof of competence required. It is only demanded for the animals named in Art. 89 of the Ordinance
No CITES listing
Not listed in the CITES appendices: Import and transfer require no species-protection papers. Keep the proof of purchase nonetheless
Minimum enclosure dimensions
Annex 2, table 6 of the Animal Welfare Ordinance, the table for amphibians, does not list this species. The table is arranged by family and distinguishes groups within each, mostly naming specific genera or species, for some items only as examples. Neither this species nor its genus appears there; the table sets no figure for it.
The general rule in Annex 2 (letter K) then applies: the enclosure must be large enough for everything the species needs (hides, basking spot, climbing branches) to be arranged sensibly. As a yardstick, the ordinance points to expert opinions on a scientific basis. There is therefore no binding figure. Binding information comes from the cantonal veterinary office.
What the enclosure must provide
Cool, clean water with a way out. Releasing is forbidden. Introduced newts have spread the fungus Bsal in Europe, which threatens native salamanders.
Paperwork
Keep the purchase contract and proof of origin. Use the scientific name to check CITES and import status reliably.
These details are a guide, not legal advice. Binding information comes from the cantonal veterinary office; the text of the ordinance is what counts. More on the legal position
