Chinese Fire Belly Newt / Cynops Orientalis (FBN)

Koji™ · 04-10-2009, 11:09 PM

Description

A small newt (6 - 10.3 cm; 2.2 - 4 inches) which ranges in color from dark brown to black above with an orange to scarlet belly with numerous black blotches. There can also be small spots of orange coloration on the dorsum and particularly on the upper surfaces of the limbs. Some individuals possess a faint orange to brown dorsal stripe.

The skin is relatively smooth, and C. orientalis has distinct parotoid glands. Males are smaller and thinner overall than the females and tend to be squarish in cross section in comparison with the larger, rounder females. Sexual dimorphism is also seen in the tail, with males having shorter tails with slightly higher tail fins. Like most newts, males have a swollen cloacal region which is especially pronounced during the breeding season.

Some individuals of C. orientalis periodically lighten in color, and the resulting coloration can range from a ground color of ash-white, grey, tan, or even slightly burgundy. This color change is often accompanied by the appearance of a faint orange, red, or brown dorsal stripe and darker marbling along the flanks and extending onto the tail. The bright ventral coloration remains unchanged. There does not seem to be any consistent explanation for why this occurs, and the duration varies from hours to months. Some individuals may have these variant colors on a permanent basis.

04-10-2009, 11:16 PM

wow haven't seen them in singapore for quite awhile already.
thanks for the info koji =)

Koji™ · 04-10-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chequil

wow haven't seen them in singapore for quite awhile already.
thanks for the info koji =)

I still see some places in farm areas selling these creatures. They are been banned for sale in singapore though.

BettaFaNatiC · 05-10-2009, 02:55 AM

i used to keep quite a number of them, very nice and easy to keep, cute little creatures...

Koji™ · 05-10-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettaFaNatiC

i used to keep quite a number of them, very nice and easy to keep, cute little creatures...

You can say that again. And they grow super slow....

Royston · 10-10-2009, 12:16 AM

Kept afew before but soon die cause refused to eat suddenly.

Bjur · 10-10-2009, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koji™

I still see some places in farm areas selling these creatures.

Hi bro. Tried to PM you but cannot. Where did you last saw them? Looking to add a few more to my tank. Please PM me if it is not okay to post here. Thanks.

wenjun · 10-10-2009, 12:15 PM

Great info but what is their diet??

Koji™ · 10-10-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wenjun

Great info but what is their diet??

Anything that can fit into their mouth. Sinking pellet also they take.

10-10-2009, 08:01 PM

You will be surprise at the price some ppl are selling these newts at...

04-10-2009, 11:09 PM	#1
Koji™ Account Disabled Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 57,626	Chinese Fire Belly Newt / Cynops Orientalis (FBN) Description A small newt (6 - 10.3 cm; 2.2 - 4 inches) which ranges in color from dark brown to black above with an orange to scarlet belly with numerous black blotches. There can also be small spots of orange coloration on the dorsum and particularly on the upper surfaces of the limbs. Some individuals possess a faint orange to brown dorsal stripe. The skin is relatively smooth, and C. orientalis has distinct parotoid glands. Males are smaller and thinner overall than the females and tend to be squarish in cross section in comparison with the larger, rounder females. Sexual dimorphism is also seen in the tail, with males having shorter tails with slightly higher tail fins. Like most newts, males have a swollen cloacal region which is especially pronounced during the breeding season. Some individuals of C. orientalis periodically lighten in color, and the resulting coloration can range from a ground color of ash-white, grey, tan, or even slightly burgundy. This color change is often accompanied by the appearance of a faint orange, red, or brown dorsal stripe and darker marbling along the flanks and extending onto the tail. The bright ventral coloration remains unchanged. There does not seem to be any consistent explanation for why this occurs, and the duration varies from hours to months. Some individuals may have these variant colors on a permanent basis.

04-10-2009, 11:16 PM	#2
chequil Guest Posts: n/a	wow haven't seen them in singapore for quite awhile already. thanks for the info koji =)

05-10-2009, 02:55 AM	#4
BettaFaNatiC Senior Dragon Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,010	i used to keep quite a number of them, very nice and easy to keep, cute little creatures...

10-10-2009, 12:16 AM	#6
Royston Dragon Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 797	Kept afew before but soon die cause refused to eat suddenly.

10-10-2009, 12:15 PM	#8
wenjun Arofanatic Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 487	Great info but what is their diet??

10-10-2009, 08:01 PM	#10
Terryz_ Guest Posts: n/a	You will be surprise at the price some ppl are selling these newts at...

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