The Spotted Paddle-tail Newt, or Pachytriton brevipes, is an amphibian that lives in southeastern China.
It was named in 1876 and belongs to the Salamandridae family.
This newt is closely related to another species called the Spotless Paddle-tail Newt, or Pachytriton labiatus.
The Spotted Paddle-tail Newt lives in streams and has a long, paddle-shaped tail that helps it swim.
What Does the Spotted Paddle-tail Newt Look Like?
Body and Skin
Pachytriton species, including the Spotted Paddle-tail Newt, have a stout body and smooth skin.
They have large, flat heads and short legs with stubby toes. They also have folds on their lips called labial folds.
Adults of this species can grow to be between 5.5 and 7.5 inches long.
Color and Markings
The Spotted Paddle-tail Newt has a head, back, and tail that can be light brown, dark chocolate brown, or something in between.
These parts of its body are also covered in dark spots. The color of its underbelly can vary a lot, from very light brown to solid black.
When males are ready to mate, they may develop bluish-white spots on their tails.
How Does the Spotted Paddle-tail Newt Behave?
Aggression and Territory
Pachytriton species are known for being aggressive and territorial. This behavior is mainly seen in males, but sometimes females can act this way, too.
If a Spotted Paddle-tail Newt feels bullied by another newt, it might leave the water to escape.
Hunting and Eating
The Spotted Paddle-tail Newt is a carnivore, which means it eats meat. It’s an aggressive hunter and feeder, eating worms, insects, and small fish.
There is not much known about how this newt breeds.
Where Do Spotted Paddle-tail Newts Live?
Spotted Paddle-tail Newts are native to the freshwater streams of southeastern China. They prefer cool, clean water that has a lot of oxygen.
However, their current distribution is shrinking, most likely because of pollution and humans moving into their habitat.
These newts are almost always found in water, but they might leave if they feel threatened by another newt.
You can check out what this amphibian looks like over here.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Urodela |
| Family: | Salamandridae |
| Genus: | Pachytriton |
| Scientific Name: | Pachytriton brevipes |
| Also Known As: | Spotted Paddle-tail Newt |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |