Category: Amphibians
These small newts are black with bright-orange coloration on their ventral sides which they use to ward off predators in the wild. They are commonly seen in pet stores and frequently confused with the Japanese fire belly newt (C. pyrrhogaster). They can reach lengths of up to six inches, and have bright red bellies. Chinese fire belly newts are mildly poisonous and excrete toxins through their skin. When searching for a pet fire belly it is best to look for local breeders, or individuals giving their pets away; this helps to reduce the demand for wild-caught specimens that are often poorly handled and/or diseased.
Learn more about the Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt at Wikipedia and Reptiles Magazine.
Swiss Army Skin
Amphibian skin is not covered in hair, feathers, or scales. It is thin and permeable, which allows them to actually breathe and drink through their skin! Their skin is not watertight, but they have mucous glands that produce secretions to help keep them from drying out Their skin also serves as a handy defense mechanism: nearly all amphibians have poison glands that make their skin toxic - and on top of that, it can even serve as a tasty treat after they shed it (yes, many amphibians eat their own sloughed off skin)!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
