Western dwarf clawed frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western dwarf clawed frog |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Pipidae |
| Genus: | Hymenochirus |
| Species: |
H. curtipes
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| Binomial name | |
| Hymenochirus curtipes Noble, 1924
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The western dwarf clawed frog (scientific name: Hymenochirus curtipes) is a small, interesting frog. It belongs to the Pipidae family of frogs. You can find this frog in the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also lives in the nearby Republic of the Congo. Scientists think it might also be found in the very southern part of the Central African Republic.
What Does It Look Like?
This little frog is quite tiny. The first frogs studied were about 24 to 28 millimeters (about 1 inch) long. Female frogs can grow a bit bigger, reaching at least 33 millimeters (about 1.3 inches).
Its head is narrow and flat. Its eyes point almost straight up, which is unusual. You can't easily see its eardrum (called a tympanum). The legs of this frog are shorter compared to other frogs in its group.
Its front feet have webbing between the fingers, but only halfway. Its back feet have full webbing between the toes. The webbing is only slightly curved inward. The frog's skin feels rough and bumpy all over. It is usually a muddy brown color on top. It has faint dark brown spots that become clearer on its underside.
Where Does It Live?
The western dwarf clawed frog likely lives in places similar to its close relative, Hymenochirus boettgeri. This means it prefers water that is still and shady. It lives in the lowland rainforests. You can also find it in small pools next to slow-moving rivers.
Scientists once found two of these frogs together in a flooded forest. They were in a position for breeding.
Its Home and Safety
Good news! There are no major threats known for this frog species. People do collect these frogs to keep as pets. However, this is not a big problem for the frog's overall numbers in the wild.
Keeping Them as Pets
Yes, Hymenochirus curtipes can be kept as pets! They are popular small aquarium frogs. A man named Ken Livingstone, who used to be the mayor of London, was the first person in the world to successfully breed these frogs in captivity. This means he helped them have babies while living in a controlled environment.
 | Laphonza Butler |
 | Daisy Bates |
 | Elizabeth Piper Ensley |
