Notes on husbandry, reproduction and development in the Pacific horned frog , with comments on its amplexus

16oktober2013
Source: International Zoo Yearbook (2013) volume 47, issue 1
Aspects related to the natural history and behaviour of the Pacific horned frog Ceratophrys stolzmanni were investigated, mostly by observations under laboratory conditions.
Ceratophrys stolzmanni is a poorly known species of horned frog (Ceratophryinae) that inhabits the xeric environments of Pacific coast in Ecuador and Peru. The species has been found only during the rainy season in western Ecuador. Herein, techniques for husbandry and reproduction, as well as reproductive and developmental features, are reported. Breeding was nocturnal and clutches, which were laid on the same night as courtship, contained a maximum of 2100 eggs. Development time (c. 27°C) from fertilization to hatching was 40 hours and metamorphosis was completed at 20–32 days. The amplectant position of C. stolzmanni differs from typical axillary amplexus of other anurans and may be the result of the unique morphology of Ceratophryinae. Data presented here are pivotal for captive-management programmes related to conservation, education and hobbyist activities.

Title: Notes on husbandry, reproduction and development in the Pacific horned frog Ceratophrys stolzmanni (Anura: Ceratophryidae), with comments on its amplexus.

Authors: Ortiz, D. A., Almeida-Reinoso, D. and Coloma, L. A.

Source: International Zoo Yearbook (2013) volume 47, issue 1