Paddle-tail newt (Pachytriton labiatus)
Photo: KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Newt

Paddle-tail newt care guide

Pachytriton labiatus

Intermediate

The paddle-tail newt is a intermediate-level newt from Southeastern China. Adults reach 15–20 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Fully aquatic and territorial: keep alone in a large, cool water section with good flow.

  • Enclosure 60 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp Water 15–20°C, keep cool
  • Humidity Not critical (aquatic)
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a paddle-tail newt cost in Canada?

Animal$30–60Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$290–530Enclosure $130–250 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $100
Yearly upkeep$80–150Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$400–740All prices CAD, estimates

Paddle-tail newt quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
15–20 cm
Lifespan
15–20 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Southeastern China
Minimum enclosure
60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 14 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
Water 15–20°C, keep cool
Humidity
Not critical (aquatic)
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Carnivore – earthworms, bloodworms, pellets
Bioactive style
Semi-aquatic (paludarium)

Paddle-tail newt enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-aquatic (paludarium) bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm

Quantities assume about half the floor is land. The water half needs a filter and regular partial water changes.

Temperature: Water 15–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: Not critical (aquatic). UVB: Not needed.

What does a paddle-tail newt eat?

Carnivore – earthworms, bloodworms, pellets. Feed adults every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Do not handle.

Health watch: Overheating and skin infections.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check water and air temperature; feed according to species.

Weekly

  • Change 20–30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
  • Rinse filter sponge in old tank water (never tap water) as needed.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter on land; prune plants at the waterline.

Yearly

  • Service the pump/filter fully.

Recommended for a paddle-tail newt bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 30 × 30 cm).

Clay Bio Balls Clay Bio Balls Drainage layer, 4 cm Qty: 1 × 7Lfrom $14.99 Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm Qty: 1 × 9Lfrom $12.99 Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 1 pack$15.99 Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container Moss for humidity pockets and planting Qty: 1$24.99 Malaysian Drift Wood Malaysian Drift Wood Bridges water and land; easy exit from the water Qty: 1 × Mediumfrom $14.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats Shelter on the land section Qty: 1 × Mediumfrom $7.99

Paddle-tail newt FAQ

Is the paddle-tail newt good for beginners?

The paddle-tail newt is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Do not handle.

What size enclosure does a paddle-tail newt need?

At least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (about 24 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 14 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a paddle-tail newt cost in Canada?

Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $290–530 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $80–150 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a paddle-tail newt need?

Temperature: Water 15–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: Not critical (aquatic).

What does a paddle-tail newt eat?

Carnivore – earthworms, bloodworms, pellets. Feed adults every 2–3 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.