Danube crested newt

Description

Measuring 13 to 15 centimetres (5.1 to 5.9 in) long in total,the Danube crested newt is the smallest crested newt species.It has a more slender,elongate body than the other species,well adapted to swimming,with a narrow head and relatively short limbs.This body shape has evolved through an increase in the number of rib-bearing vertebrae: there are 16–17 of them in T.dobrogicus,the highest number among the crested newts The Danube crested newt's back and sides are dark brown with black spots and white stippling.The belly is orange to red (in other crested newts,it is usually yellow or orange–yellow),with small or medium-sized black blotches that have sharp edges.Like all crested newts,T.dobrogicus males develop a crest on their back and tail during breeding phase,which can be quite high and jagged and usually starts between the eyes and nostrils.Another feature of males at breeding season is a bluish-white stripe along the tail.