Japanese fire belly newt
A species of Fire-bellied newts, Also known as Japanese fire-bellied newt Scientific name : Cynops pyrrhogaster Genus : Fire-bellied newts
Japanese fire belly newt, A species of Fire-bellied newts
Also known as:
Japanese fire-bellied newt
Scientific name: Cynops pyrrhogaster
Genus: Fire-bellied newts
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Kenta Hayashi , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Japanese fire belly newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) is a species of newt in the Salamandridae family endemic to Japan. It is commonly confused with the Chinese fire belly newt (Cynops orientalis) due to similarities in coloring and size, and most newts sold as Japanese fire belly newts are likely to be the more commonly collected Chinese fire belly newt instead.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Predominantly carnivorous, japanese fire belly newt's diet consists largely of small invertebrates. Specializing in aquatic prey, it relishes insects, crustaceans, and worms with an occasional ingestion of small fish and amphibian larvae.
Appearance
Japanese fire belly newt is a medium-sized, sleek newt with smooth, moist skin. This amphibian boasts a striking coloration of bright, fire-red belly contrasting with a dark, green-black dorsal side. Adults typically have elaborate, fringed gills projecting from both sides of the neck. Specifically, males possess a higher tail ridge than females. Remarkably, juvenile newts exhibit a vibrant golden color before maturing.
Behavior
Japanese fire belly newt are largely aquatic and display intricate courting rituals, involving dance-like maneuvers. They are known for their stationary lifestyle, rarely leaving the water except during hibernation or breeding season. This species typically possess territorial traits, defending their space if encroached upon, primarily during mating season. Their survival relies on adaptive camouflaging skills, blending seamlessly into their aquatic surroundings.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Kenta Hayashi , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
True salamanders Genus
Fire-bellied newts Species
Japanese fire belly newt