252 Fresh Water Aquarium 



sides show bright vermilion dots in a black 

 circle. Young specimens have a nearly 

 uniform reddish color, which changes when 

 they reach maturity. The body is rather 

 slender, the tail long and much higher than 

 it is broad, thus forming an excellent rud- 

 der. While superficial observation shows 

 no difference in the shape of the sexes, a 

 closer inspection of the male Triton will 

 bring the following characteristic distinc- 

 tion to notice. The hind legs of the male 

 are much stronger than those of the female. 

 They also show a number of rough horny 

 ridges of a blackish color, running cross- 

 ways over their inner surface. These are 

 destined to serve the male during the mating 

 process. 



This Triton is a lively little animal, quick 

 and graceful in its movements, and seldom 

 remaining long in one position, — now com- 

 ing to the surface for air, then sinking down 

 motionless with head up, or diving rapidly 

 to the bottom, and running along for some 



