Mike’s Fish Tank – African Clawed Frog

The African clawed frog also known as the xenopus, African clawed toad is a species of African aquatic frog of the Pipidae family. Its name is derived from the three short claws on each hind foot, which it uses to tear apart its food. The word Xenopus means “strange foot”. African clawed frogs can grow up to a length of 5 in. They have a flattened head and body, but no tongue or external ears.

The species is found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria and Sudan to South Africa), and in isolated, introduced populations in  North America, South America, and Europe. All species of the Pipidae family are tongueless, toothless and completely aquatic. They use their hands to shove food in their mouths and down their throats and a hyobranchial pump to draw or suck things in their mouth. Pipidae have  powerful legs for swimming and lunging after food. They also use the claws on their feet to tear pieces of large food. They lack true ears but have lateral lines running down the length of the body and underside, which is how they can sense movements and vibrations in the water.  They use their sensitive fingers, sense of smell, and lateral line system to find food. Pipidae are scavengers and will eat almost anything living,  dying or dead and any type of organic waste.

These frogs are aquatic and are often greenish-grey in color. Albino varieties are commonly sold as pets. “Wild type” African Clawed Frogs  are also frequently sold as pets. The average life-span of these frogs ranges from 5-15 years with some individuals recorded to have lived for 20–25 years. They shed their skin every season, and eat their own shedded skin.

Male and female frogs can be easily distinguished through the following differences. Male frogs are usually about 20% smaller than females, with slim bodies and legs. Males make mating calls to attract females, sounding very much like a cricket calling underwater. Females are larger than the males, appearing far more plump with hip-like bulges above their rear legs.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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