Key Facts to Understand About the Fire Belly Newt
Thinking about getting a fire belly newt? You’re not alone — these small, brightly colored amphibians are a favorite among pet lovers who want something a little different. And I totally get the appeal! They’re beautiful, low-maintenance (once you get their setup right), and genuinely fun to watch.
But before you bring one home, there are a few important things you should know — especially if this is your first time caring for an amphibian. I’ve broken it all down into what really matters, based on experience and what we’ve seen work best.
What Makes Fire Belly Newts Special?
First off, even though people often call them “lizards,” fire belly newts are actually amphibians — more like frogs and salamanders than geckos. Their name comes from their bright red-orange bellies, which serve as a warning sign in the wild (more on that in a second).
There are two main types you’ll find in the pet trade: the Chinese fire belly newt and the Japanese fire belly newt. Their care is nearly identical, so don’t stress too much about which one you get.
They’re aquatic (yep, they live mostly in water), hardy, and can live a surprisingly long time — even up to 30 years with excellent care. Most live around 10-15 years, but don’t be surprised if yours sticks around longer.
What You Really Need to Know Before Getting One
1. No Hands, Please
Fire belly newts are not pets you handle. Their skin secretes a mild toxin (tetrodotoxin), which isn’t deadly to humans but can cause irritation if it gets into cuts or your mouth. So no cuddles — these guys are for watching, not playing with.
If you ever have to handle them (like during tank cleanings), make sure your hands are clean and free of cuts, or wear gloves. And definitely wash up afterward.
2. Not Ideal for Little Kids
Because you shouldn’t touch them and they do secrete toxins, I wouldn’t recommend them for homes with very young children — unless you’re absolutely certain the tank is secure and your kids understand the rules.
3. Other Pets? No Problem (Usually)
Cats and dogs generally won’t bother a well-secured tank, but make sure it’s sturdy and out of reach. You don’t want your curious cat knocking over the setup.
4. They're Mostly Nocturnal
These guys are most active at night, so don’t expect a lot of action during the day. If you’re a light sleeper, don’t keep their tank in your bedroom — they can be quite active (and splashy) after dark.
Setting Up Their Home
This is where most of your effort will go upfront, but once you’ve got it right, maintenance isn’t too bad.
Tank Size
A 20-gallon tank is a great place to start — enough space for 3 to 4 newts. If you’re just getting one or two, you could go smaller, but more space is always better.
Water and Land
Fire belly newts are aquatic but need a place to climb out and rest. Think of their tank as a mini pond: mostly water, with some land or floating platforms where they can chill.
Temperature
They like it cool — 62–68°F (17–20°C). No heaters needed, but in warmer months you may need to cool the tank using fans or by adding bits of dechlorinated ice.
Lighting
They don’t need special UV lighting, but a regular day/night cycle is important. Room light works fine during the day, and you might need a lamp in winter to keep the rhythm steady.
Feeding Your Fire Belly Newt
They’re carnivores and prefer live or frozen food. Good options include:
- Bloodworms (frozen or live)
- Earthworms (chopped)
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Tubifex worms
Feed them every 2–3 days. You’ll get a feel for their appetite pretty quickly.
Clean Water = Healthy Newt
This is huge. Most health issues in fire belly newts come from poor water conditions. Invest in a good water filter and change out about 1/3 of the water each week. It’s not as much work as it sounds once you get into a routine.
Also, keep a thermometer in the tank. Temperature swings are not their friend.
A Few More Quick Tips
- They can regrow tails if they ever lose them — a neat trick, but hopefully one you won’t see in action.
- They shed their skin — often unnoticed because they usually eat it and the rest dissolves in the water.
- They’re social and do well in groups, as long as you have enough space. But if you keep males and females together, expect babies!
- Find a vet who knows amphibians — regular vets usually don’t treat newts. Hopefully, you’ll never need one, but it’s good to know who to call just in case.
Is a Fire Belly Newt Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I have space for a 20-gallon tank with water and land?
- Can I commit to regular cleanings and water maintenance?
- Are my kids and pets safe around a pet you shouldn’t handle?
- Am I okay with a pet I watch more than interact with?
If you said yes to all the above, a fire belly newt might be just the pet you’re looking for! They’re low-cost, low-drama, and long-living companions that bring a little slice of the wild into your home.
Got questions or want to share your setup? We’d love to hear from you!