Ghost frog facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ghost frogs
Eastern ghost frog (Heleophryne orientalis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Suborder:	Neobatrachia
Family:	Heleophrynidae Noble, 1931
Genus:	Heleophryne Sclater, 1898
Species
Hadromophryne natalensis Heleophryne depressa Heleophryne hewitti Heleophryne orientalis Heleophryne purcelli Heleophryne regis Heleophryne rosei
Distribution of Heleophrynidae (in black)

Ghost frogs are a special group of frogs known by the scientific name Heleophrynidae. This family of frogs includes two main groups, called genera: Heleophryne and Hadromophryne. There are seven different kinds, or species, of ghost frogs in total.

These unique frogs live in fast-moving mountain streams in South Africa. They might be called "ghost frogs" because some of them live in a place called Skeleton Gorge.

What Makes Ghost Frogs Special?

Ghost frogs are medium-sized, usually growing up to about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long. They have flat bodies, which helps them squeeze into tight spaces like cracks in rocks.

How Do They Hold On?

These frogs have very large toe pads compared to the rest of their body. These sticky pads help them grip onto slippery rocks in the fast-flowing water.

Amazing Tadpoles

The young ghost frogs, called tadpoles, have a special mouth that works like a sucking disc. This allows them to hold onto surfaces and stay still while they eat, even in strong currents.

Where Do Ghost Frogs Fit in the Frog Family Tree?

Ghost frogs are closely related to another frog family called Sooglossidae, which lives on the Seychelles islands. Scientists also think they might be related to the Australian Myobatrachid frogs.

Types of Ghost Frogs

Here are the different types of ghost frogs:

• Genus Hadromophryne
  • Natal Ghost Frog, Hadromophryne natalensis
• Genus Heleophryne
  • Cederberg Ghost Frog, Heleophryne depressa
  • Hewitt's Ghost Frog, Heleophryne hewitti
  • Eastern Ghost Frog, Heleophryne orientalis
  • Purcell's Ghost Frog, Heleophryne purcelli
  • Royal Ghost Frog, Heleophryne regis
  • Table Mountain Ghost Frog, Heleophryne rosei