Order Anura Higher classification Lepidobatrachus | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Lepidobatrachus laevis Rank Species | |
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Similar Lepidobatrachus, Frog, Amphibians, Ceratophryidae, Cranwell's horned frog | ||
Budgetts frog lepidobatrachus laevis eating a cricket
The Budgett's frog, wide-mouth frog, or hippo frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis, in Spanish escuerzo) is a species of frog in the Ceratophryidae family. It is often kept as a pet by mildly skilled amphibian keepers. The name "Freddy Krueger" frog also has been affectionately given due to their disturbing screech and aggression.
Contents
- Budgetts frog lepidobatrachus laevis eating a cricket
- Grabulle my budgett s frog ma lepidobatrachus laevis eating an earthworm with forceps
- Description
- Diet and behavior
- Reproduction
- Distribution and conservation
- Captivity
- References
Grabulle my budgett s frog ma lepidobatrachus laevis eating an earthworm with forceps
Description
This frog has become popular in pet stores due its comical flat appearance and intelligent behavior. Females reach a size of 100 millimetres (3.9 in) while males sometimes only reach as half as large. They have a large head that makes up to 1/3 of the body, with notably an extremely large mouth. Their mouth contains a top row of teeth and two "fangs" on the lower jaw. They have extremely short and stubby limbs and the forelimbs are unwebbed. L. laevis is dark olive green with darker blotches outline in orange. The males have a dark blue throat.
Diet and behavior
The wide-mouth frog is well adapted to its environment, notably the harsh winter. During this time it will remain inactive underground in a cocoon of shed dead skin which protects it from losing water and they emerge. This species is generally very aggressive and will puff up when threatened to appear larger, if this doesn't deter the annoyance they will make a shrill screech, bite, and corner the target. They are nocturnal and hunt at night, submerged up to their nostrils and wait for prey to pass by, then they lunge and eat their meal whole. They feed on other frogs, insects, and snails.
Reproduction
L. laevis is noted for their fascinating reproductive biology, such as how a single mating produced up to 1400 eggs. A pair will reproduce in temporary pools of water. The embryo develops at a startling phase, in two weeks, in order to metamorphosis into adults before their breeding pool dries up. The tadpoles are carnivores and cannibalistic at the time of hatching and have nearly adult jaws. They sexually mature in about a year.
Distribution and conservation
It is found commonly in Paraguay and Bolivia, and rarely Argentina. Its natural habitats are dry and wet Chaco. Breeding takes place in temporary and artificial ponds. It is in some areas threatened by habitat loss but they have a large total population size.
Captivity
These frogs are often kept by keepers with mild experience with frogs or advanced owners. A ten to twenty gallon tank is generally recommended, without aquarium gravel because it causes digestive issues. River stones are a better alternative. Rocks should be sloped to allow the frog to exit the water. They don't require special in houses with a comfortable temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This species of frog needs to be kept alone or with members of the same species and of equal size, as they will consume anything smaller than themselves.