Weird Sea Monsters » Crazy Amphibians

The ‘Horror Frog’

Alex — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:32:38 +0000

This little guy is dubbed the ‘horror frog’ because of its ability to break down its own bones to produce claws. Sounds crazy enough? This amphibian actually breaks down its bones in order to puncture its toe pads, producing extendable claws on demand when threatened.

The hairy ‘horror frog’ was discovered in Cameroon in 2008, but its no foreigner to the people of its land since it is often roasted and eaten.

Amazing New Frog Species Discovered

Alex — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:01:19 +0000

A new frog species was discovered during an expedition to Papua New Guinea last year, which was just one of the 50 new species found during the expedition. A “large and spectacular”—and possibly new—tree frog species of the Nyctimystes genus squatted near a clear mountain river, giving photographers a spectacular shot of the neon green frog.

New Discovery: Lungless Frog

Alex — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:26:47 +0000

A new frog species was found in Indonesia recently and has researchers baffled at the fact that the frog does not have any lungs whatsoever. This rare species of frog actually breathes through its skin. Researches are now able to understand more about animal genetics and structure.

The Mexican Axolotl

Alex — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:11:41 +0000

A Cute Amphibian

The Mexican axolotl salamander is a distinct amphibian since it retains its larval features all through adulthood. This condition is called neoteny, which means it keeps its tadpole-like dorsal fin that runs almost the length of its body, and its feathery external gills, which protrude from the back of its wide head.

This rare species is found exclusively in the lake complex of Xochimilco, near Mexico city. The axolotl differs from other amphibians since it spends its entire life in the water, mostly at the bottom of the lake. On rare occasions, an axolotl will come out of the water once it has matured.

Since the Mexican axolotl is a close relative of the tiger salamander, it can get quite big, reaching up to a foot in length. Most of these species are black or mottled brown, but albino and white varieties aren’t uncommon in captive environments.