Description: As many as six subspecies are known, widely distributed across tropical South America where they live in lowland lakes, ponds and other slow moving bodies of water. Mostly nocturnal and aquatic, staying immersed in the water much of the time with just the eyes protruding out. When an insect is spotted, they are capable of leaping after it for some distance using their powerful webbed feet. If threatened, they will dive to the bottom and stir up the mud to hide. They look like a typical frog and are mostly green with dark stripes on the thighs. Males are 1½" to 2", females are about ½" larger. The amazing thing about this species is that the tadpoles keep growing until they get to be 10" long! During metamorphosis, they shrink down to adult frog size and do not need to grow anymore.
Scientists have discovered a protein in the skin of this species, called pseudin-2, that has shown great promise for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Temperature: Daytime 75° to 82°F, a small drop at night is okay.

Humidity: High, best at 70 to 80%.

Lighting: Use a timer with an average of 12 hours on / 12 hours off. If the habitat contains live plants, fluorescent grow lights may be needed.

Feeding: Small terrestrial insects and aquatic organisms, such as blood worms and black worms. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given once or twice a week.

Habitat: These frogs are almost totally aquatic but adding some islands will allow them access to dry land. These are also good places to place insects when feeding them. If islands are not used, plants and branches or a shallow area should be provided to give them a place to rest without leaving the water. Having both would be an ideal set-up. The water should be filtered and changed regularly when the tank is being cleaned.

Sexing: Females are larger and often a little heavier than males. Males will call (1 loud "croak").

Breeding: When ready to breed, the male will call during the day or night. If the female is ready, they will amplex and the frothy egg mass will be deposited among aquatic vegetation. Tadpoles will remain aquatic for quite some time in order grow so huge.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna