If you would like something a little different as a pet, but don't want to spend a huge amount of money on specialist equipment, don't have much space and don't like the idea of feeding it live insects or frozen mice, then the Chinese firebellied newt could be an excellent choice.

1) Basic Information

The scientific name for the Chinese firebellied newt is Cynops orientalis. They are a small species, growing only to 3 or 4 inches (7-10cm) including their tails. The firebellied newt is a long-lived species; if properly cared for they have been reported to live up to thirty years in captivity. Their bodies are a smooth black on top, with a brilliant orange belly which gives them their name.

As often happens in nature, this bright colouration has evolved as a warning to predators - these newts are poisonous! It is therefore a good idea to take certain precautions. If you ever have to handle the newt, make sure first that you have no cuts or broken skin exposed, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Also, ensure that the lid of the newt's enclosure is secure, especially if you have small children or free-roaming pets such as cats and dogs. This is especially important, as the newts automatically secrete the poison through their skin - if a small child or pet swallowed one, it could prove fatal. The amphibian expert Philippe de Vosjoli gives an example in his book 'Popular Amphibians' of an incident in which a college student swallowed a firebellied newt as part of a dare, and died as a result.

Hopefully that hasn't put you off! Firebellied newts are harmless and enjoyable pets as long as those simple rules are followed.

2) Finding your newt

Chinese firebellied newts are for the most part imported from the Far East (this is, at least, the case in the UK), but more and more people are breeding them. If you can obtain captive bred specimens this is desirable both for the wild newts (although the species is not threatened) and your pet, as captive bred animals tend to be healthier and free from disease. They are fairly cheap compared to other amphibians and certainly compared to reptiles. 5 - 10 is a good price. They are available from private breeders as well as through many aquatics outlets that also carry amphibians (if you know an aquatics outlet that does carry amphibians but has no firebellied newts, they may be able to order them because importers tend to bring in a variety of species depending on availability).

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