by Charles Klein

Created on: June 30, 2008

Look at the colors it's beautiful! Is it poisonous? Yes it is! The beautiful and intoxicating Chinese fire bellied newt or (Cynops Orientilis) does produce toxins. The worst I have gotten was a light burning sensation, almost an intense itch. It is mandatory to wash your hands after holding or cleaning out the water of the Fire belly. Even though the newt has a mild toxin , they do make fine pets.

The Chinese fire belly will grow to be around three inches long. The colors can vary between a brown and black back and orange or yellow belly. The housing should be large enough for the amphibian to move around. Water should not be too deep and there should be land for the fire belly to rest on.Most fire belly's are highly aquatic and will only be on land for a short period. The fire belly is easy to keep , with a non powerful filter and some smooth gravel not to harm the sensitive belly.
Fire belly's like cool water around 68 degrees or so and can actually start getting infections anywhere above 75 degrees. Commercial newt food is the easiest food to purchase and is healthy for them as well. Fire belly newts are the most common amphibians in the pet trade and can be found at almost all pet stores and amphibian trades. The Chinese fire belly's newts have a cousin from Japan the Japanese fire bellied newt. The Japanese family member is a little larger and needs a little more room. Make sure you know which one you get when purchasing , so you can get the right tank or cage for it.
The Chinese or Japanese fire belly both contain toxins that can make the water they live in toxic even to them if not cleaned enough. The water should be changed at least three times a week , changing only one/third to one half with clean dechorinized water. Although the newts are safe to handle for short periods they make better viewing pets than hand held pets. Remember to always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning or holding your newt. It's not hard to see why the fire belly is the most common amphibian in the pet trade. They are easy to care for and make beautiful exotic looking pets.
To keep your pets happy and healthy here is a list of what you will need to start off with. I suggest at least buying two or three to start with. Fire belly's seem to like having company and are fairly cheap. Here in the north east I can purchase one for around five to ten dollars. But remember the equipment usually cost more then the pet itself. First you should obtain a twenty gallon tank or equivalent.Next buy a non powerful filter not strong enough to push the newts around. Make sure you buy smooth gravel big enough that the newts can't swallow it. You can get a floating dock or a log the newts can climb on to get out of the water. Next purchase some plants live or plastic. Make sure to ask the Amphibian specialist what plants the fire belly can have in their tank. If you get live plants make sure you get a fluorescent light to help them grow and keep them healthy.
When you are ready to set up your new newt home , fill the tank or cage with dechlorinized water about one third full. Slowly pour in the smooth gravel , letting it settle on the bottom of the tank. Add the filter to one side or corner depending on the type you bought. Next put your plants in where you want them. Try to make the tank look as natural as possible. Follow with the floating dock or log. Newts need a place to get out of the water and rest.It is essential to buy the dock or log. Let the tank and filter work their magic for at least twenty four hours before placing your new pets in their home. To add an enhancement to the home you can buy a background to place on the outside of the back wall. Good luck and enjoy one of the most beautiful amphibians on earth.

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