Fire Belly Newt Care Sheet
Amphibian
2 - 4 inches long
12 - 20 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts are carnivores. They will eat a variety of small insects including crickets, small waxworms, blood worms, small earth worms, baby roaches, and fruit flies.
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts should be fed 2-3 times a week. Dust food with calcium powder every feeding, & a multivitamin once a week.
Housing & Habitat
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts are native to East-Central China and are usually found in still waters with plenty of vegetation in which to hide. Chinese
Fire-Bellied Newts can easily be housed together with similar sized tank mates.
Make sure that multiple hiding spots exist in the tank to reduce stress on the newt.
These hiding spots can include both aquatic and terrestrial plants, rocks or pieces of cork bark.
Enclosure Size
A single Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt can be housed in a 10-gallon enclosure for their entire life. Pairs should be housed in a 20-gallon enclosure or larger.
Substrate
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts are primarily aquatic with sand or large gravel acceptable for substrate. Peat moss, coconut fiber or sphagnum moss is appropriate for a land portion.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts require cooler than average temperatures. The cage should have an ambient temperature of 65º to 70º
F. Higher temperatures can result in stress, bacterial infections and potentially death.
Lighting
Lighting is not required for Fire Bellied Newts. For live planted terrariums or aesthetics light may be used. Low strength UVB can be used to promote plant growth and act as an anti-microbial. There is no current proof that this animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.
Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
Humidity for the Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts should be maintained between 75-80%. If the terrarium is set up semi-aquatic, the water portion should maintain humidity. In drier environments a mister or fogger may be necessary.
Watering
With the terrarium set up semi-aquatic the water portion will suffice for water if it is kept clean. Always use de-chlorinated water or bottled spring water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Fire Belly Newts eat?
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts are carnivores. They will eat a variety of small insects including crickets, small waxworms, blood worms, small earth worms, baby roaches, and fruit flies. Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts should be fed 2-3 times a week. Dust food with calcium powder every feeding, & a multivitamin once a week.
What kind of habitat does a Fire Belly Newt need?
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts are native to East-Central China and are usually found in still waters with plenty of vegetation in which to hide. Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts can easily be housed together with similar sized tank mates. Make sure that multiple hiding spots exist in the tank to reduce stress on the newt. These hiding spots can include both aquatic and terrestrial plants, rocks or pieces of cork bark. A single Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt can be housed in a 10-gallon enclosure for their ...
What temperature and lighting does a Fire Belly Newt need?
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts require cooler than average temperatures. The cage should have an ambient temperature of 65º to 70º F. Higher temperatures can result in stress, bacterial infections and potentially death. Lighting is not required for Fire Bellied Newts. For live planted terrariums or aesthetics light may be used. Low strength UVB can be used to promote plant growth and act as an anti-microbial. There is no current proof that this animal requires UVB light, although some keepers pre...