Maintenance
The Cynops orientalis has a relatively large head, especially when compared to the criteria of its genus. Rounded in shape, it is thick, longer than wide. It is a black amphibian with a belly that can oscillate between bright red and marked orange. Its tail is rather short and flattened. Its body does not have the roughness of other Cynops, although the term smooth cannot be used to describe it. His life expectancy is around 15 years. It is a calm species that should be avoided to handle, because it is very prone to stress.
◾ Adult size: 6 to 10 cm. The female is often slightly larger than the male. It is the smallest representative of Asian Cynops. The female is larger and wider and her tail is more rounded at the end.

Natural habitat
◾Geographical distribution: The Cynops orientalis is endemic to China, where it lives in the south-eastern regions, at high heights, therefore cool temperatures.
◾Biotope: Its habitat consists of shallow water bodies, mountain ponds and streams winding through forests.

Maintenance
◾Dimensions and description of the terrarium: Due to its small size, we can move towards an 80 liter aquarium to raise a small group of 4 Cynops orientalis (an aquarium at least 60 cm wide). Only rarely coming out of the water, only a small part will be provided which may consist of a floating stump or a small island. The aquatic part must represent at least two thirds of the aquarium. The tank must be very strongly planted and the lighting restricted, never directly on the animals. These are little runaways, think about covering your aquarium (cover, mosquito net, plastic mesh for gutters, etc.).
◾Temperatures: The water must not exceed 18 ° C, and can drop to around 12 °. It is not mandatory to carry out a winter rest period, but it will be quite possible to lower the temperatures to around 8-10 ° C for 2 months, with a cycle of descent and gradual rise in these temperatures. .
◾Hygrometry: The Cynops orientalis living mainly in water, the hygrometry is of less importance.
◾Group composition: It is a calm and very sociable species which can evolve in a group without any problem.
◾ Diet: The Cynops orientalis is an easy to feed species. Its diet will consist of earthworms that can be bought in fishing stores, bloodworms, tubifex and small freshwater shrimp. All adapted to the size of the individual's mouth.

◾Reproduction :
Reproduction of this species is quite difficult, since it is closely linked to seasonal cycles, and if these are not reproduced at a minimum in captivity, individuals find it difficult to find the right biological rhythm. The courtship display takes place with the male who comes to caress the flanks of the female with the tail wagging. Following mating, the eggs will be deposited on the leaves of plants, there may be up to 100. In order to avoid the destruction of these, it is strongly recommended to cut the leaves containing eggs for them. put in small containers of around 30 liters. The hatching will arrive about ten days later and the young will have to be fed on daphnia and mosquito larvae. Their bins should have a dry area. In less than a month the four limbs appear, and the larvae are ready to reach dry land. Juveniles tend to be much more terrestrial than aquatic and will need to be placed in a terrarium with a reduced water area. Their food will consist of micro-crickets and fruit flies. Young specimens that can now drown become terrestrial for about a year. In fact, the terrestrial period varies from six months to almost three years. Due to their small size, juveniles are difficult to feed because they need tiny prey (fruit flies, aphids, mini insects).
Do not confuse the Cynops Orientalis with the Orientalis which has a much rougher skin.