Kimberly rockhole frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kimberly rockhole frog |
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Litoria aurifera |
The Kimberly rockhole frog (Litoria aurifera) is a tiny frog found in northern Australia. It gets its name from the Kimberly region where it lives. Scientists first discovered this special frog near the Prince Regent River. Two plant scientists were the ones who found it.
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About the Kimberly Rockhole Frog
What Does It Look Like?
Adult Kimberly rockhole frogs are very small. They grow to be about 2.2 centimeters (less than an inch) long. This makes them one of Australia's smaller frog species.
Where Does It Live?
These frogs make their homes in rocky areas. You can find them in rockholes and streams that have rocky bottoms. Their small size and light weight help them move around easily in these places.
Amazing Abilities
One cool thing about the Kimberly rockhole frog is how it moves on water. It is so light that it can actually skip across the surface of the water. It moves just like a flat stone that you might skip across a pond!
Life Cycle
The Kimberly rockhole frog has an interesting way of laying eggs. Instead of putting all its eggs in one big group, the female frog lays 60 to 110 eggs in different spots.
Tadpoles
The tadpoles of this frog are quite unique. They have dark black bodies and tails. But what makes them special are their bright gold spots! This is why the frog's Latin name, aurifera, means "carrying gold."
Tadpoles eat algae, which are tiny plant-like organisms. They have special mouths that work like suckers. This helps them hold onto rocks in fast-moving streams. When they are ready to become frogs, they are about 1 centimeter long.