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Can newt larvae move their gills?

Printed From: Reptiles and Amphibians of the UK
Category: Herpetofauna Native to the UK
Forum Name: Great Crested Newt
Forum Description: Forum for all issues concerning Triturus cristatus
URL: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4025
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 7:57pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Can newt larvae move their gills?
Posted By: Adderz
Subject: Can newt larvae move their gills?
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 7:35pm
Hi All,
 
Just wondered if anyone on here can answer this simple question that has me puzzling! Can newt larvae (GCN or small Sp.) move their gills? i.e. Are they controlled by muscles. I have checked in a few books and can find no mention of it!
 
Cheers
 
Rob


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I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left....



Replies:
Posted By: will
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 10:19pm
Hi Rob

I've seen well grown crested newt larvae trying to flush oxygenated water across the gills by moving them back and forth in overcrowded desiccating ponds, so I guess they can.  Interesting Q!

Cheers

Will


Posted By: Noodles
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2012 at 10:35am
Indeed they do. The gill stems from which the breather filaments protrude largely comprise muscle tissue. As Will points out this aids oxygen intake by actively flushing or passively increasing/exposing surface area. It also presumably helps protect against predator, or other physical, damage. 


Posted By: Adderz
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2012 at 2:28pm
Thanks for the responses! It is just one of those questions that popped into my head and I thought I should know the answer, but didn't!
Cheers
 
Rob 


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I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left....


Posted By: Noodles
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2012 at 4:20pm
I noticed a tank off Axolotls flexing their gill pistons at the yokel Dobbies garden centre t'other day. The stems appeared to be quite mobile and on occasion seemed to move independent of one another. I'm sure the same might apply to newt larvae. 



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