What kind of frogs are Pipidae?

Pipidae frogs are fully aquatic and spend their entire lives in water.

They live in calm water bodies like ponds, swamps, and lakes.

Their flattened bodies are well-suited for hiding on the bottom, and their webbed hind feet allow them to swim powerfully.

How do Pipidae breathe?

Pipidae frogs breathe through their skin (cutaneous respiration) and the lining of their mouths (buccopharyngeal respiration).

Their skin is extremely thin, allowing blood vessels to show through.

Their mouth lining is also rich in blood vessels, enabling them to absorb oxygen from the water by opening and closing their mouths.

What do Pipidae eat?

Pipidae frogs are carnivorous and feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

As they lack tongues, they capture their prey by suction, engulfing it with their wide-open mouths.

How do Pipidae raise their young?

Pipidae frogs have a unique method of raising their young. The female lays her eggs on the male's back, and he protects them until they hatch.

In some species, the female's back skin develops into a spongy layer that envelops and protects the eggs until they hatch.

The hatched tadpoles live on the female's back for a while before entering the water to continue their development.

Are Pipidae endangered?

Some Pipidae species face population decline due to habitat loss and pollution.

The African Clawed Frog ( *Xenopus laevis* ), in particular, is widely exported worldwide for use as laboratory animals and pets, leading to a decline in their native populations.

Protecting their habitat is crucial for the conservation of Pipidae frogs.