View source for Spotted paddle-tail newt

{{short description|Species of amphibian}}
{{More footnotes|date=July 2017}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Spotted paddle-tail newt
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Gu Huiqing, Geng Baorong |date=2004 |title=''Pachytriton brevipes'' |volume=2004 |page=e.T59454A11944711 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T59454A11944711.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| genus = Pachytriton
| species = brevipes
| authority = ([[Henri Émile Sauvage|Sauvage]], 1876)
| synonyms = ''Cynops chinensis'' <small>David, 1875</small> —[[Homonym (biology)|homonym]] of ''[[Chinese warty newt|Cynops chinensis]]'' <small>Günther, 1859</small><br>
''Triton brevipes'' <small>Sauvage, 1876</small> —replacement name
| synonyms_ref = <ref name=Frost/>
}}

The '''spotted paddle-tail newt''' ('''''Pachytriton brevipes''''') is an [[amphibian]] native to southeastern [[China]]; it was named in 1876.<ref name=Frost/> A member of the family [[Salamandridae]], it is closely related to the spotless [[Pachytriton|paddle-tail newt]] (''Pachytriton labiatus''). The spotted paddle-tail newt lives in streams and is characterized by its long, paddle-shaped tail used for [[Marine propulsion|propulsion]].

== Description ==

''Pachytriton'' species are stout-bodied, smooth-skinned [[aquatic animal|aquatic]] newts. Their heads are large and flattened, and they have conspicuous [[Lip|labial]] folds and short, stubby legs and toes. They breathe through both lungs and skin. 
''P. brevipes'' ranges from 5.5 to 7.5 in as an adult. It has prominent labial folds, long digits, and smooth skin, which differs from the tuberculate skin typical of newts.

The head, back, and tail of ''P. brevipes'' range in color from light brown to a dark chocolate brown and are covered in dark spots. The underbelly color varies considerably, from a very light brown to a solid black. [[Reproduction|Breeding]] males may develop bluish-white spots on the tail.

== Behavior ==

''Pachytriton'' spp. are known for their aggressive and [[Territory (animal)|territorial]] behavior, seen mainly in males, but occasionally in females, as well.  ''P. brevipes'' is an aggressive hunter and feeder. It is [[carnivorous]] and will eat worms, insects, and small fish.  The breeding behavior of ''P. brevipes'' is unknown.

== Ecology ==

''Pachytriton brevipes'' is native to the [[freshwater]] streams of southeastern China, and it thrives in cool, clean water high in [[oxygen]]. Current distribution is shrinking, most likely due to pollution and human encroachment on habitat. It is almost exclusively aquatic, though it will leave the water if bullied by a more aggressive individual.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=Frost>{{cite web |url=http://research.amnh.org/vz/herpetology/amphibia/Amphibia/Caudata/Salamandridae/Pleurodelinae/Pachytriton/Pachytriton-brevipes |title=''Pachytriton brevipes'' (Sauvage, 1876) |author=Frost, Darrel R. |year=2017 |work=Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0 |publisher=American Museum of Natural History |accessdate=29 July 2017}}</ref>
}}

* [http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Pachytriton/Pachytriton.shtml Caudata article and pictures on Pachytritons]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2496360}}

[[Category:Pachytriton]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of China]]
[[Category:Amphibians of China]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Henri Émile Sauvage]]
[[Category:Amphibians described in 1876]]