TY! I knew the green ones can be brown sometimes but wasn't sure about the other way 'round. The stripe is very distinct. So do you think this was an attempt at amorous activities? I've not seen the 'raised hackles' or deepened eye sockets during such before, but have only caught that activity in person twice (when there was no question what they were doing.) You can see how into their fight they were, (or foreplay, if that's the case.) I was so close to get those pics. Took this pic 9/21, can't remember if I've showed it to you elsewhere or not. I think it had just hatched. It had grit all over it & is officially the smallest one I've seen. It was cool to the touch so I assumed that's why it was brown. Maybe it's an invader. I didn't see a stripe, but wasn't looking.

Interesting...Thank you for the prompt identification! Boy, they must be great swimmers! >g

It's important that we know what part of the world you are from.

That's an Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens). They are very common through much of their range, so long as there are large tracts of forested habitat surrounding the ponds/lakes they live in. I believe the others have echoed my sentiment about collecting, but since it has already been collected and if you cannot release it, you should know how to care for it properly. Here is a link that will tell you how to care for them properly - this is by far the most accurate caresheet available for this species Here is a link that might be useful: Eastern Newt caresheet