Fire bellied newts are generally dark brown or black and are named after there firey red, blotchy underbelly. There are a few different types of these newts. When looking for fire bellied newts at your local pet store you are likely to see the Chinese fire bellied newt or Cynops Orientalis. Originally from china this unique little newt can be distinguished from its Japanese counterpart, Cynops Pyrrhogaster, by its size, skin texture and tail shape. The Cynops Pyrrhogaster tents to be slightly larger with more a more rough and pebbly skin texture. You will also notice Cynops Pyrrhogaster has a rounder tail then its cousin. The Final type of newt is the Blue tailed fire bellied newt , Cynops Cyanurus, from southwestern China. Contrary to what you may think this newt isn't blue, it does however, debvelope a blueish tint in its tail during mating season.

These fire belly newts make wonderful pets and are extremely easy and cheap to take care of. If you purchase your newts from a clean and stable environment they are likely to live a long and fruitful life. I have had several of these newts and most of which have lived well over ten years. I have had little success breeding them but when I have it was amazing and worth the wait.