
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cynops ensicauda
The largest member of the genus Cynops, endemic to the Amami and Okinawa island groups. The back is black with lichen-like pale markings or an orange dorsal stripe, and the underside is red-orange. Being subtropical, it tolerates warmth better than its relatives.
Cynops ensicauda is a Japanese endemic newt restricted to the Amami and Okinawa island groups, and the largest species in its genus. Males reach 12.7 cm and females 18 cm, though 11-14 cm is usual. The back is black, sometimes with lichen-like pale markings or an orange middorsal stripe, and the underside is red, orange or yellow with irregular black blotches. The Amami and Okinawa populations are treated by some authorities as separate subspecies. It is most common in slow or standing water such as paddies, roadside ditches and farm ponds, and both adults and juveniles may spend long periods on land. Being subtropical it tolerates heat better than other Cynops, enduring water up to 30 C in summer. Keep it at 20-24 C year round, dropping to 12-16 C for about eight weeks in winter if breeding is the aim. Development and collection for the pet trade have reduced numbers, and Japan's Ministry of the Environment Red List treats it as Near Threatened.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Sword-Tailed Newt lives Over 20 years in captivity, with a record exceeding 36 years.
The Sword-Tailed Newt grows to 11-18cm.
The ideal temperature for the Sword-Tailed Newt is 20〜24℃.
Origin
Japan (endemic to the Amami and Okinawa island groups)
Sources: Caudata Culture: Cynops ensicauda / Wikipedia (English) / Wikipedia (Japanese)
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: Cynops ensicauda (Hallowell, 1861)
Synonyms: Cynops ensicauda ensicauda (Hallowell, 1861), Cynops ensicauda popei (Inger, 1947), Diemictylus ensicauda (Hallowell, 1861)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
日本固有種で、環境省レッドリストでは準絶滅危惧(NT)。環境省「国内希少野生動植物種一覧」(令和7年2月更新)には掲載がなく、種の保存法の規制対象ではないため譲渡・販売自体に制限はないが、野生個体の採集圧が減少要因とされているため飼育下繁殖個体を選ぶことが望ましい。
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: List of National Endangered Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Over 20 years in captivity, with a record exceeding 36 years
Size
11-18cm
Temperature
20〜24℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Frozen bloodworms, tubifex, prepared foods and small insects
Aim for 20-24 C year round. Being subtropical it withstands up to 30 C in summer, but avoid prolonged heat. For breeding, lower the water to 12-16 C for about eight weeks in winter.
A 60 x 30 x 30 cm tank (about 50 L) suits two or three adults. Plant it, and add cork bark or driftwood so the newts can rest above water. Leave part of the bottom unplanted for feeding and courtship.
Frozen bloodworms, tubifex, prepared newt foods, small crickets and earthworms all work. It is not fussy, though it responds better to moving prey.
Peaceable with little conspecific aggression, so it keeps well in groups. It is active in the water by day and easy to observe, but it climbs out and escapes readily.
The skin contains tetrodotoxin, so always wash your hands after handling, and keep the lid secured. It is Near Threatened on Japan's national Red List and Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, so choose captive-bred animals over wild-caught ones.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Sword-Tailed Newt is 20〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Sword-Tailed Newt is Over 20 years in captivity, with a record exceeding 36 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Sword-Tailed Newt typically reaches 11-18cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Sword-Tailed Newt feeds on: Frozen bloodworms, tubifex, prepared foods and small insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Sword-Tailed Newt varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026