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| Name: African Bullfrog |
| Scientific name: Pyxicephalus adspersus |
| Range: Central, Eastern, and South Africa |
| Habitat: Waterways, river, streams |
| Status: Not threatened |
| Diet in the wild: Anything that they can fit in their mouths is considered appropriate for them |
| Diet in the zoo: , Butterworms, crickets, earthworms, goldfish, and small mice |
| Location in the zoo: Not currently on exhibit |
| General information: The African bullfrogs are unique in a few ways such as they can dig holes with their powerful legs. They spend about as much time out of the water as they do in the water. The bullfrog ranges from central to eastern and southern Africa. The African bullfrog has adapted to its environment pretty well. It has three canine like teeth that protrude from the lower jaw. These teeth are used to fight off would-be predators and to hold fast to its prey. The bullfrog will try to eat anything that will fit in its mouth, including the hand of an incautious human. The row of teeth has been known to draw blood from the recipient of the bite. Adult bullfrogs seem to be very aggressive if provoked and will swell up to intimidate you. Some African bullfrogs have been known to grow to be as old as forty years old and if not older in some cases. It can take a bullfrog in the dessert environment as long as 28 years to reach its full size. |
| Special anatomical, physiological
or behavioral adaptations:
The African Bullfrog has sharp teeth to fight off predators and to chew big prey. Its large size and mouth gives it a wide range of potential food. It also has very strong hind legs to dig holes to keep cool and to shelter itself. The frog has extremely big mouth like that of a horned frog only that it has a longer snout. The African Bullfrog uses its muddy looking skin to blend in to the surroundings of the bank and wait for prey. |
 Comments
about the African Bullfrog
of the Fort Worth Zoo. They sure are big for a frog and are very lazy until feeding time then they get a little more active. The zoo keeper that cares for the African Bullfrog said that the males are aggressive and that even the young offspring are aggressive also. (Note: this animal is not currently on exhibit at the zoo) |
| Personal Observations:
The Bull frogs even though they are aggressive would probable be a cool pet to have. The only problem is that they would require a lot of care to keep them healthy. These frogs need lots of sun and plenty of food. The African Bullfrog that is located here at the Fort Worth Zoo is a male and from what the zoo personnel said it has a problem with biting and should be and rarely is handled. |
| Related Links: |
| Page author: Mark Dissinger
sprout_gs@hotmail.com |
| Source list:
Fantastic Frogs, by Jerry G. Walls (C.) T.F.H Publications. African Bullfrogs, by James Walker (C.) T.F.H Publications |
WhoZoo Home Reptiles and Amphibians |