Hobbies And Interests
Physical Appearance
Both Japanese and Chinese fire-bellied newts have dark brown to black backs, but the Japanese species, Cynops pyrrhogaster, has smooth skin, while the Chinese species, Cynops orientalis, is rough. The bellies of both species bear one bright color with interspersed blotches and lines the same color as their backs. They may also have bright spots along their sides and limbs. Chinese fire-bellied newts may also have a red or orange stripe down their spine.The Japanese species grows 3.5 to 5 inches in length, while the Chinese species only spans 2 to 4 inches.
Sexual Dimorphism
Fire-bellied newts have variations between the sexes that allow scientists and pet owners to determine the sex of an individual. Males of both species bear a slightly larger cloaca, the posterior opening for reproduction, urination and excrement. During mating season, male Japanese fire-bellied newts obtain a blue and purplish hue on their tail, their skin smooths and they acquire a filament on the end of their tail. Male Chinese fire-bellied newts are smaller, thinner and squarer than the females. Males of the Chinese species also have shorter tails and higher tail fins than the females.
Habitat
All fire-bellied newts prefer still or slow waters with high visibility. They choose locations with plenty of vegetation for protection and shade, because they prefer cooler water. Large waters provide them with more food sources, particularly aquatic invertebrates. Chinese fire-bellied newts prefer mud bottoms, while the Japanese fire-bellied newts prefer stones. The dark skin on their backs provides the newts with camouflage on both types of bottoms. As amphibians, these newts occasionally wander to the land, but the frequency of their terrestrial visits depends on their environment and population's habits.
Reproduction
Fire-bellied newts require colder temperatures to start the breeding season in the spring. Males pursue the females and attempt to woo them with attention and tail fanning, which spreads pheromones toward the females. Females lay one egg at a time, but they can lay at least 200 eggs in a mating season. The females stick the egg to a leaf and fold the leaf around it for additional protection. Larvae live in the water, but after metamorphosis, the juveniles remain on land for up to three years before they reach sexual maturity and return to the aquatic life.