C. orientalis is commonly seen in pet stores, where it is frequently confused with the Japanese fire belly newt (C. pyrrhogaster) due to similarities in size and coloration.

C. orientalis typically exhibits smoother skin and a rounder tail than C. pyrrhogaster, and has less obvious parotoid glands.

[2] C. orientalis is endemic to subtropical forests in East-Central China and prefers to live in shallow, semiaquatic environments such as abandoned paddies and ponds with dense vegetation.

In order to maintain homeostasis, clusters of melanin cells will gather in the liver, darkening the skin of the newt.

[5] Chinese fire belly newts typically spawn in ponds, ditches, wells, and fields, ideally with a water temperature within 15-23°C.