Chinese Fire Bellied Newt, Cynops orientalis

Hi guys, I don't post on SF very often. But today, I have decided to start sharing some pics of my newts. The Chinese Fire Bellied newt possibly was one of my earliest experience with amphibians. They were fairly common in the local fish shops back when I was in primary school, close to some 20 years back. Brought home a few and kept them for a few months, before they began going MIA one by one. It turned out they were masterful escape artists, I was lucky enough to catch my last one scaling up the silicone lining of the glass tank. She stayed with me for a few more months before perishing.

Last year, I noticed more of these cuties up for sale and grabbed 10 heads without blinking an eye. This time around, I made a cover for the tank, LOL! So here goes, some pictures for shares.


Cynops orientalis


Hence the name.

These look really cool. Are they easy to keep? I've been considering buying a few of these when I have the money.

Very nice looking.

lol hi raq

didn't knw u keeps newts too

cheers

Those look awesome!

Our native newts have incredibly poisonous skin secretions; I don't know about C. orientalis, but I'd wash my hands after handling.

very cool.. and I heard about certain newt species being very toxic, californian newts or something like that.

id wash hands before handling as well as i think that the various sebaceous excretions can be harmful to the delicate amphibian skin

Thanks people.

I am aware of how dangerous newts can prove to be. Firebellies are mildly poisonous. With Cynops orientalis, it is very important to remember not to handle them with open cuts. The poison can only enter thru open wounds/cuts, not by absorption thru the cutaneous layer.

However, its always wise not to take things for granted. I always wash up after handling any one of my animals - for fear of something else, SALMONELLA! Lol!

Thanks for the reminder of washing my hands prior and after handling. You guys obviously love me and my newts to bits.

@mrflibble - Thank you for the advice on washing before handling as well. This I have almost never done.

Nice newt. I've probably kept some before

Went ahead and got myself another 10 of these cuties last week.