Looking at C.Orientalis

[MisterB]

Hi guys.

im new here and also new to newts. im an avid fishkeeper, i have 8 tanks with 7 running, adding upto about 1300litres. im moving some stock to another tank, which leaves me with an empty tank on my bedside table.

i wanted try maybe try something new and i got suggested fire bellys. now ive done the standard basic research, i want the C.Orientalis as there smaller, and smoother skin (personal perference) and they are absolutely adorable. i havnt managed to source any yet in my local area but im going to be contacting some places today to see what my luck is like.

the main reason im here, id like some more detail into what they require. as in, water parameters, land parameters ect. ive read that they like cool/temperate temps. which is good as my tank should be sitting around 20'c being next to the window.

another question, will a 30litre tank be sufficient for 1 or 2 newts? im not looking to get a huge population or colony, but ofc want to provide a suitable home. ive been assured by a couple of people the tank is fine. (it needs re-scapeing to the needs of newts but that is no problem)

any help/info/hints&tips are greats appreciated and welcomed, thanks

 

[xxianxx]

A few people in the UK breed them , if you put your location up you may find some one near you who can supply them.

 

[Azhael]

Have you read the caresheet?
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Cynops orientalis - Chinese firebelly

The minimum recommended volume of water for a single individual (but works for up to 4) is 40l. It may seem like a trivial difference from 30 to 40, but believe me, the difference is very significant.
Bare in mind that every single of these newts that you find at shops will be wild-caught. They are imported in terrible conditions and those who survive often develop infections, succumb to parasites, starve, etc.
If you want to start in the world of newt keeping safely i strongly suggest looking for breeders. You might want to consider other species, though, as H.orientalis is not the easiest one to raise.

 

[MisterB]

thankyou very much. i have no added my location to my profile so hopefully that helps to see where i am

thanks, i have just read that care sheet. i have read a few caresheets about these, all fail to include tank size/water volume required. non provide anything what so ever about PH range, GH or KH or TDS. what sort of water do these guys live in? surley they have an optimal range, seeming as most things ive read says they are highly aquatic.

i totally appreciate what your saying about the 30-40l. i had a similar conversation to someone about betta fish. im just getting very little info on this area, and the little info ive got is very conflicting.

and, im looking at the Cynops orientalis, not the H.orientalis incase you thought im looking at another species. from what ive read, there really really easy to keep and they are fantastic newts for beginners.

anymore help/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Azhael]

You can find information about water parametres in the CC articles (chek my signature). I highly recommend you read them all.

Cynops orientalis and Hypselotriton orientalis (H.orientalis) are the same species. The name Hypselotriton has been in use for some time as a means to differenciate chinese, small bodied newts from the larger, japanese true Cynops. H.orientalis is their "newer" name if you will...

As adults (provided that they are stress free and healthy) they are indeed a very easy species, but the juveniles are tiny, tend to be highly hydrophobic and are pretty clumsy when it comes to eating. That makes them rather complicated to raise successfully, and i would not recommend it for a beginner, specially since there are so many other species whose juveniles are dead easy to raise (like any Triturus, Pleurodeles waltl, H.cyanurus...).


Many sites cite H.orientalis as an ideal species for beginners because they are easy, cheap and widely available, but this doesn´t take into acount all the problems that come from the importation process. Hundreds of animals die every year before even reaching the shops, and many more die there or shortly after being purchased. A highly stressed newt with sores is definitely not good, specially so for a beginner that is unlikely to be able to react adequately.
In this site we make a point of promoting captive breeding and it really is the best option, both for you as a costumer and for the wild populations.

 

[Revan]

Getting hold of this species is the only 'easy' part about it. This species as a juvenile is one of the more complicated species, as they are tiny, and in the wild keep themselves terrestrial. Some have had success keeping them aquatic, do your research.

Don't buy from a pet store, you will get an animal that is so stressed that it will not eat for /weeks months. Which is a nightmare for you and the newt.

So yes as an adult these guys are easy to keep. But getting hold of a captive bred near adult/adult fire belly may be problematic.

Ask around on this site, check out the classified section. I breed this species, however I am over 300 miles from you. I am expecting some morphs by Christmas. PM me if you ever travel north or need any advice.

 

[MisterB]

thanks for your help and advice.

ive been reading more and researching and ill continue to do so. i wont be getting any from a pet shop/store and will always search out a breeder.

i am looking around at my options, but am still very drawn to the C.Orientalis. i have plenty of spare time to monitor my projects ect so i feel i can meet the juvenile newts needs. and im by no means a new comer to aquariums so water chemistry,quality is no problem. (i appreciate a pauldarium could throw up new challenges)

im in no rush either, and have also decided to pull the 60litre from the loft so my options are alot better now.

again, thanks for all the help, info, links ect you have provided, im sure ill have more questions in the future

 

[eljorgo]

H. orientalis are a very avid species and will get used to a hide range of temperatures and conditions. They are like cockroaches. Just put them in a water basin and they will breed for you without you even notice:wacko:. Crazy little critters. I think 30 Liters is a very good volume for 4-5 adults, If you want a sexed pair, 30 Liters are more than fine. I've breed and raised many newt species and sometimes the only space I had left for orientalis was an 8 liter aquarium and they lived happily in there, active as always, feeding good and would breed like rabbits.
They are incredibly easy in all matters but one: Raising of the juvenils which can be tricky but not impossible, not at all.
So I'd say its an excellent begginer species one if not the easiest in the hobby.
If no one else in the UK can provide you with these newts, I got about 80 of them just PM.

Regards,