This book is a monograph on the salamander genus Ommatotriton (banded newts), It became apparent early on that the species living on the western Black Sea coast differ significantly from those from northeast Turkey. This was ultimately taken into account by creating two subspecies and later species. Eventually, it was given its correct genus name again, Ommatotriton. The scientific interest in banded newts is well-founded. But there is another motivation for studying the species. Anyone who has ever observed the male's courtship will be fascinated by the breathtaking beauty of the animal: a deeply serrated high crest, a blue high tail fringe, and shiny golden flanks; this is a newt bursting with vitality and strength.