Chinese Fire-bellied Newt
Cynops orientalis
Also sold as Oriental fire-bellied newt · Fire belly newt
Chinese Fire-bellied Newt (Cynops orientalis) is a peaceful freshwater amphibian that reaches about 10 cm (3.9 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 57–68°F (14–20°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 57 L (15 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Amphibian |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 57 L (15 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 57–68°F (14–20°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Chinese Fire-bellied Newt needs at least 57 L (15 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 57–68°F (14–20°C). That shares a window with Cherry Shrimp and Goldfish, but not with Betta and Angelfish.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- Before you buy: it is not fully aquatic and needs a land area above the water.
- Before you buy: it is a cold-water animal, so a typical tropical planted tank runs too warm for it.
- Before you buy: it is banned or licence-only in some places, so check your local rules first.
- One of them takes up roughly 34% of what a 15 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 57 L (15 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
57–68°F (14–20°C), pH 6.5–7.5.
How long does it live?
10–15 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Celestial Pearl Danio, Ramshorn Snail, Salt and Pepper Cory and Nerite Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Chinese Fire-bellied Newt | African Clawed Frog | African Dwarf Frog | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 10 cm | 12.5 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 57 L | 38 L | 38 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 2+ |
| Temperature | 57–68°F (14–20°C) | 70–75°F (21–24°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (8) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Adult size, Land accesscaudata.org
- Local rulesfws.gov
- Group sizepawsandclawsmanawatu.co.nz
- Jumpingreptilesupply.com
- Group sizesalamanderland.com
- What it eatstropicalfishkeeping.com
- gensou.sg
- vetverified.com