Effects of pH and aluminium on the growth and feeding behaviour of smooth and palmate newt larvae.

: The distribution of smooth and palmate newts (Triturus vulgaris and Triturus helveticus) may be related to water quality. This study compared the larval growth and feeding behaviour of both species under sublethal levels of aluminium and low pH. The growth of both species was inhibited to a similar degree under acidic conditions with aluminium toxicity dependent upon both low pH and developmental stage. The two species were differentially affected by low pH in terms of feeding behaviour. 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.