EFFECTS OF PH AND ALUMINUM ON THE GROWTH AND FEEDING-BEHAVIOR OF SMOOTH AND PALMATE NEWT LARVAE

The distribution of smooth and palmate newts (Triturus vulgaris and Tr iturus helveticus) may be related to water quality. This study compare d the larval growth and feeding behaviour of both species under sublet hal levels of aluminium and low pH. The growth of both species was inh ibited to a similar degree under acidic conditions with aluminium toxi city dependent upon both low pH and developmental stage. The two speci es were differentially affected by low pH in terms of feeding behaviou r. T. vulgaris larvae took significantly longer to snap at food under low pH than the apparently acid-tolerant T. helveticus. Aluminium had no significant effect on the feeding behaviour of either species.