The name Japanese Newt comes from the bright red pattern on its belly. In fact, this belly pattern is different for each individual. The color also varies slightly, from orange to deep red to dull red. The Tokyo Metropolitan Zoo and Aquarium conducts research with the aim of conserving wild newts, and uses the belly pattern to identify individual newts.

Although they are often mistaken for the reptile gecko, Japanese Newt is an amphibian, just like a frog. The larvae have branched gills (external gills) on the sides of their heads, and spend their time in water. As they grow, the tadpoles metamorphose into frogs, and they begin to breathe with lungs. They also have another thing in common with frogs: the number of fingers. If you're curious, try counting them.

You can distinguish between male and female Japanese Newt newts by the shape of their tails. Male tails are wide and flat from top to bottom, while female tails are long and slender. During the breeding season, male tails develop a whitish blue to purple nuptial coloring. They also show off their tails to females as a courtship behavior, waving them around.