Pyrenean Triton (Euproctus asper). Urodelos Amphibians. Vertebrates. animal Kingdom. Wildlife. Fauna. Zoology. Fauna. Natural Patrimony Aragonese. Aragon. Spain.

Pyrenean Triton (Euproctus asper). Urodelos Amphibians. Vertebrates. animal Kingdom. Wildlife. Fauna. Zoology.

Aragon > Naturräume in Aragon > Fauna

It measures about 14 cm.

It is endemic to the Pyrenees and pre-Pyrenees.

With a flattened head, it has a brown to black body (darker at a higher height), laterally compressed tail and rough skin.

Sometimes (especially in very high ibons), a yellow line on the back, perhaps to imitate the salamander and prevent them from eating it, although its meat is not bad.

Males have rounded sewers and pointed strands.

In the mating season the male has an orange or red belly while the female is more muted, gray with a yellowish band in the center.

There is such a variation of drawing and color that it is difficult to attribute a meaning, even distinguishing the sex of the animal by the color of the belly is very risky.

It has a real intercourse: in the water, the male throws himself to hold the female when she swims over him, joins the sewers and deposits in the female's body, helping with the legs, 1-4 packages of sperm (internal fertilization). The male-female hug can last several hours.

It is oviparous and its metamorphosis normally lasts one year, but in the high mountains it does not end until 2 years.

He lives in ibons and streams of little vegetation although sometimes he is found out of the water.
 It feeds on various aquatic invertebrates. It is nocturnal and during the day it remains immobile for a long time (so, unfortunately for him, it is very easy to capture).

It hibernates up to 8-9 months depending on the altitude, and is already active in ibons where ice floes still float.

El Triton Project launched by ANSAR is conducting assisted breeding for the recovery of this species.



Other information about fauna in Aragón:

A small list of species in Aragon would be the following:

Vertebrates Invertebrates

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Amphibians

Fishes

Metazoans

Protozoa

   images about the fauna in Aragon.
   photographs on invertebrates.
   beneficial animals for agriculture.