The fire-bellied newt ( cynops pirroghaster ) makes a great pet for any amphibian lover. They are adorable, easy to find, and affordable. In addition, these animals make great pets if they have an aquarium adapted to their needs. Remember that they can live a long time (five to ten years, some even reach thirty years) so you should do everything in your power so that your new partner has a safe and healthy environment. A pet is a great responsibility!
Create a suitable environment
Your newt’s aquarium should be spacious enough. The bigger the aquarium, the happier and healthier it will stay. In addition, it is recommended that you acquire at least two newts, since these animals do not like loneliness.
Likewise, newts are semi-aquatic and require both land and water in their habitat. Make sure your aquarium includes both to keep it happy. Thus, the tank should be 70% water and 30% soil. A good option is to divide the aquarium, so that your newt can climb onto the ground whenever it feels like it. You can also tilt the dirt or gravel into the water so that the newts can climb to the ground through the slope.
In addition, you will have to fill your aquarium with plants so that the environment is as pleasant as possible. Ferns, moss, and bamboo are some plants that might be good for your aquarium. You can also include aquatic plants like Egeria.
On the other hand, there are two types of fire-bellied newts: the Japanese and the Chinese newt. Although they are very similar to each other, they present some differences. For example, the Japanese newt is somewhat larger (between ten and twelve centimeters) while the Chinese newt is usually ten centimeters at most. Also, the Japanese newt has an orange-red color on its belly. The Chinese newt, on the other hand, is more orange in color.
Basic newt care
To keep your newt healthy it is important that you clean the aquarium every two weeks. You will need to remove all the water, plants, rocks, or anything other than gravel and substrate. Then, refill the aquarium with clean water and put everything you took out.
Likewise, the aquarium should have a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Avoid very high temperatures, as it could cause discomfort or even death. Also, you will have to feed your newt properly. Newts often eat earthworms, although they also like worms and crickets. In addition, you can chop the food to make it easier for them to digest it. You are now ready to take care of your newt!
