The Inhabitants of the Aquarium 265 



flat stones, roots or in other hiding places, 

 and is fairly common in some of the Eastern 

 States; but as it is very slippery and very 

 agile in its movements, it is difficult to catch. 

 It frequently happens that the inexperienced 

 collector will retain only the brittle tail of 

 the animal for his pains. Its color above 

 is of a warm brown. The sides bear nu- 

 merous gray or purplish spots. The lower 

 side is mottled. The eyes are protruding 

 and prominent. Fully grown it is about 

 four inches long. As in the case of the 

 above it needs a place where it can leave 

 the water at will. 



The Black Salamander (Desmognatus ni- 

 gra) lives in or near springs, preferring 

 cool, clear waters. The greater part of its 

 body is of a deep uniform black, changing 

 sometimes to a dark grayish black below. 

 While it resembles D. fusca in all essential 

 points, it is of heavier form. It is quick 

 and difficult to catch. Length four inches. 



The Crested Eft, Large Eft (Triton crista- 



