
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tylototriton verrucosus
A dark brown newt with a row of large knob-like glands along each flank, recalling a crocodile's back. Many individuals prefer water, and it needs cool conditions.
The Himalayan crocodile newt belongs to the salamandrid genus Tylototriton and occurs in the mountains of Yunnan in China, northern Myanmar and northeastern India, including Sikkim and Manipur. In Thailand it is known with certainty only from Doi Chang in Chiang Rai Province; populations from northern and northeastern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam were described as separate species (T. anguliceps, T. panhai and T. uyenoi) in 2013 and 2015. Tylototriton shanjing was split off in 1995 as well, so older literature and trade names for "verrucosus" may cover several species. It reaches about 20 cm in total length. The broad head bears bony ridges, a row of knobs runs along the spine, and 15 or 16 rounded glands line each flank. The body is uniformly blackish brown with an orange-yellow lower tail edge. It eats spiders, worms, millipedes and insects. In Japan both imported and captive-bred animals appear in specialist shops. Japan's native Echinotriton newts, which share the Japanese name element "iboimori", are protected National Endangered Species and belong to a different genus.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Himalayan Crocodile Newt lives More than 10 years in captivity.
The Himalayan Crocodile Newt grows to About 17-20 cm total length (some trade forms reported up to about 24 cm).
The ideal temperature for the Himalayan Crocodile Newt is 15〜18℃.
Origin
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Tylototriton verrucosus Anderson, 1871
Synonyms: Glossolega verrucosa (Anderson, 1871), Pleurodeles verrucosus (Anderson, 1871), Triturus verrucosus (Anderson, 1871), Tylotriton verrucosus Anderson, 1871
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Tylototriton verrucosus · Wikipedia: Tylototriton verrucosus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires an export permit from the country of origin, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan. The whole genus Tylototriton has been listed since 26 November 2019. Amphibians can carry infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis, so never release captive animals or pour tank water into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Tylototriton verrucosus / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of National Endangered Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Yunnan (China), northern Myanmar, northeastern India, a small part of northern Thailand (Chiang Rai) and adjacent areas
Lifespan
More than 10 years in captivity
Size
About 17-20 cm total length (some trade forms reported up to about 24 cm)
Temperature
15〜18℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Carnivore (earthworms, insects, spiders)
A cool range of about 15-18°C is recommended; it does poorly in warm water. Use air conditioning in summer.
Above about 18°C many individuals stay in the water; use an aquarium with 12-15 cm of water and a sizable land area. Move animals that stay on land into a semi-aquatic setup.
Offer earthworms, crickets and bloodworms; it learns to take food from forceps.
Active and inquisitive in water; some individuals become tame and approach for food.
Its skin is sensitive, so avoid prolonged handling with bare hands. Amphibians can carry infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis, so never release captive animals or pour tank water into the wild.
Japan's native Echinotriton newts (Okinawa and Amami) are a different genus protected under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which in principle bans capture and transfer. Do not confuse them.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Himalayan Crocodile Newt is 15〜18℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Himalayan Crocodile Newt is More than 10 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Himalayan Crocodile Newt typically reaches About 17-20 cm total length (some trade forms reported up to about 24 cm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Himalayan Crocodile Newt feeds on: Carnivore (earthworms, insects, spiders). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Himalayan Crocodile Newt varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026