Explore the Quiet Wonder of the Peninsula Newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus)
Nature’s tiny aquatic marvel—delicate, mysterious, and endlessly fascinating.
The Peninsula Newt, a subspecies of the Eastern Newt, is a small but captivating amphibian native to the southeastern United States, particularly the Florida peninsula. Known for its smooth, olive to brown skin and bright orange underside, this newt thrives in calm, shallow waters and offers an incredible look into the balance of wetland ecosystems.
Appearance: Adults typically measure 2.5 to 4 inches long. They have an olive-green to brown dorsal coloration with small black specks, and an orange or yellow belly. Their tail is flattened for swimming—perfectly adapted for aquatic life.
Habitat: Found in seasonal ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, these newts prefer clean, freshwater where they can breed and thrive. Their lifecycle includes aquatic larval, terrestrial juvenile (eft), and aquatic adult stages.
Behavior: Peninsula newts are quiet, secretive creatures, often seen gliding slowly through the water. They are most active during the cooler parts of the day and tend to hide under leaf litter or submerged plants.
Diet: Carnivorous and efficient hunters, they feed on small invertebrates like insects, worms, and aquatic larvae. In captivity, they accept bloodworms, brine shrimp, and specially formulated amphibian diets.
Lifespan: With proper care, these newts can live 10 to 15 years in captivity.
Care Tips: Peninsula Newts are low-maintenance but sensitive to water quality. They do best in cool, clean, filtered aquariums with aquatic plants, hiding spots, and a secure lid. Temperature should remain between 60–72°F.