New pet needs species identification!

[jane1187]

Hello, I'm kind of new to Caudata.org (I mean I've been a member of the site but I've never really posted anything) so bear with me.

I have recently aquired a new pet, a 'rough fire bellied newt', which as many of us know could be any one of many species. When I ordered the newt it had a photograph which was without a doubt of a Cynops pyrhogaster, but was apparently 'for guidance only' so I half expected that it might not be a Cynops. Prepared with the task of possibly having to identify the species they arrived and I haven't a clue what they are! I have done some research but I am still not sure.

Please have a look at these photos (see attachments - sorry if the photos aren't very good but he/she wouldn't keep still!) and let me know what you think or know it is. I have a feeling it could be a Paramesotriton species, but if it is I don't know which. Please help!

Let me know if you need any photos from a different angle to ID the species.

If you can't view the attachments let me describe the newt to you. It is almost 11cm long and has very warty skin. They are a greenish-black colour with a ridge down the back which is brownish in colour. The tail is long and paddle like (but not as deep as a paddle-tailed newt) and even in height from base to tip. The belly is black with red spots or blotches. There are a small number of yellowish spots (warts?) on the legs and flanks. I hope this helps!

 

[Otterwoman]

I believe it's Paramesotriton chinensis.

 

[Azhael]

Indeed it is, and it looks rather malnurrised ...poor fella. Earthworms and waxworms would be a great way to fatten it up.

 

[Ben Krysa]

I am very certain that is, in fact, Paramesotriton.chinensis. It looks identicle to some animals I recently got from a local fish store. I wonder if it is possible they came from the same wholesaler? I really hope that your newt fares better than mine. A pure headache to establish compared to my P.hongkongensis. Good luck.