← All species · Newts

Kaiser's Spotted Newt

Neurergus kaiseri · also called Luristan newt, Emperor spotted newt

AdvancedFamily Salamandridae

A striking black-white-and-orange newt — a conservation success now widely captive-bred.

⚠️ Before anything else: Once critically endangered by the pet trade — keep captive-bred only.

✅ We have a full, fact-checked care sheet for the Kaiser's Spotted Newt.

Open the Kaiser's Spotted Newt care sheet →

📋 At a glance

Tank
Semi-aquatic 10–20 gal (small group), water + land
Temp
Cool 60–70°F
Water
Dechlorinated, planted, with a land area
Food
Bloodworms, chopped worms, newt pellets
Lifespan
10–20 years

✅ Widely captive-bred today — you can keep this stunning newt while supporting its recovery (CB only).

🛒 Before you buy

  • A cool semi-aquatic tank (water + land + a secure lid)
  • Dechlorinated water and plants
  • CAPTIVE-BRED only — it is CITES-protected, never wild-caught
  • A cool spot (60–70°F)

A healthy one: Bold black, white and orange · good weight · clear skin · using both water and land.

🚨 See a vet / act now if…

  • Floating or bloating
  • Not eating / weight loss
  • Skin fungus or lesions
  • Lethargy in warmth

⛔ Never

  • Wild-caught animals (CITES-protected)
  • Warm water
  • An open-topped tank

Common kaiser's spotted newt questions

How hard are Kaiser's Spotted Newts to keep — are they good for beginners?

Advanced. A striking, once-endangered newt — a captive-bred conservation success. Keep CB only.

What do Kaiser's Spotted Newts eat?

Bloodworms, chopped worms, newt pellets

What size tank do Kaiser's Spotted Newts need?

Semi-aquatic 10–20 gal (small group), water + land

What temperature do Kaiser's Spotted Newts need?

Cool 60–70°F

What water setup do Kaiser's Spotted Newts need?

Dechlorinated, planted, with a land area

How long do Kaiser's Spotted Newts live?

10–20 years

What are the signs Kaiser's Spotted Newts are sick?

See an exotics vet if you notice: Floating or bloating; Not eating / weight loss; Skin fungus or lesions; Lethargy in warmth.

Free tools for the kaiser's spotted newt

Calm, honest help — each one knows when to say "see a vet."

Symptom checkerTriage a worrying sign and know when to see a vet.Water-or-land plannerAquatic or terrestrial? Right for its life stage.Feeder cultureCulture your own feeder insects, cheaply.Male or female?The honest way to sex this one — and when you can tell.Common questionsReal questions keepers ask — answered straight.

📚 More newts guides

Keep up with Kaiser's Spotted Newt care

You're reading the full, fact-checked kaiser's spotted newt guide — free. Join the burrow for honest care emails, aesthetic freebies and conservation news whenever we publish. Free sheets and tools always stay open. No spam, no gatekeeping.

Free amphibian care cheat-sheet when you join. No spam — pinky-promise. Unsubscribe anytime.