Males generally migrate earlier in the wet season than the females. Once in the water, their rough brown skin takes on a sleek and, to a female newt, sexy appearance. The skin becomes smooth and hydrodynamic, and its permeability is reduced, preventing excess water absorption. The males' tails flatten rudder-like to propel them through the water. Feet and toes develop blackened rough patches to better grasp the females.
Eager males greet the arriving females, and the amorous antics begin.
At the start of the mating season, males outnumber females, and often several males become interested in the same female. A real ruckus results as the males battle for position or possession, writhing and clinging together in an underwater ball. The water looks to be boiling as up to 20 vigorously thrashing males struggle to grab the single female in the middle. Ultimately, one male gains control of a female, grasping her from behind and climbing atop her back. They swim off to a more private spot in this sexual embrace, called amplexus.