Their total length is 155–210 mm (6.1–8.3 in), females being larger than males.

They live in small ponds, slowly flowing streams and surrounding shady and moist grassy slopes with many hiding places.

[2] The red-tailed knobby newt has been recorded in Bijie, Dafang, Hezhang, Nayong, Shuicheng, Weining, and Zhijin counties of western Guizhou, and Yiliang and Yongshan counties in northeastern Yunnan (Zhao 1998).

In captivity they often eat wax worms, mealworms, crickets, and even small fish like guppies.

In captivity they should have a 15-20 gallon tank for housing two or three newts.