Spotted paddle-tail newt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spotted paddle-tail newt |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pachytriton
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| Species: |
brevipes
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| Synonyms | |
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Cynops chinensis David, 1875 —homonym of Cynops chinensis Günther, 1859 |
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The spotted paddle-tail newt (Pachytriton brevipes) is a cool amphibian that lives in southeastern China. It got its name in 1876. This newt belongs to the Salamandridae family, which includes salamanders and other newts. It's a close relative of the spotless paddle-tail newt. The spotted paddle-tail newt lives in streams and has a long, paddle-shaped tail. This special tail helps it swim and move through the water.
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All About the Spotted Paddle-Tail Newt
What Does It Look Like?
Pachytriton newts are known for their strong bodies and smooth skin. They are usually found in water. Their heads are quite large and flat. They also have noticeable folds around their mouths, called labial folds. Their legs and toes are short and stubby. These newts can breathe in two ways: using their lungs and through their skin!
Adult spotted paddle-tail newts, P. brevipes, can grow to be about 5.5 to 7.5 inches long. They have those clear labial folds and long fingers and toes. Unlike many newts, which have bumpy skin, the spotted paddle-tail newt has smooth skin.
The color of P. brevipes' head, back, and tail can be light brown or a dark chocolate brown. These parts are covered in dark spots. The color of their belly can be very different. It might be a very light brown or even solid black. During the breeding season, male newts might even get cool bluish-white spots on their tails.
How Does It Behave?
Pachytriton newts are famous for being a bit aggressive and territorial. This means they like to protect their space. This behavior is mostly seen in males, but sometimes females can be territorial too. The spotted paddle-tail newt is a strong hunter and loves to eat. It is a carnivore, meaning it eats meat. Its diet includes worms, insects, and small fish. Scientists don't know much yet about how P. brevipes mates or has babies.
Where Does It Live?
The spotted paddle-tail newt, Pachytriton brevipes, lives in the freshwater streams of southeastern China. It really likes cool, clean water that has a lot of oxygen. Sadly, the places where these newts live are getting smaller. This is probably because of pollution and people building more things in their habitat. Even though they love water, these newts will leave the water if another, more aggressive newt is bothering them.
