Pipa parva

[tgampper]

Here are some photos taken at the zoo I worked at. Although, this species' reproductive strategy is quite similar to Pipa pipa (the more common Suriname toad), there is one major difference. When the eggs of Pipa parva, P. myersi, and P. carvalhoi hatch, tadpoles emerge. P. pipa give birth to fully formed toadlets. I don't have a very good digital camera, so they are quite fuzzy.

[tjtreefrog]

They look just fine to me! Pipa is my favorite genus of frogs. I didn't realize P. parva tadpoles emerged from the females back instead of fully developed froglets. Amazing frogs!

[Kurt]

You can definitely see the family resemblance to Xenopus laevis and Hymenochirus boettgeri.

[Jenste]

gorgeous frogs Terry!!

I admit I do not know much about any of the Pipas -

how large do they get?
is their care similar to ACF?
can they be kept with ACF?

[tgampper]

You can definitely see the family resemblance to Xenopus laevis and Hymenochirus boettgeri.

You are right, Kurt. Pipa is closely related to Hymenochirus and Silurana, however only distantly related to Xenopus.

gorgeous frogs Terry!!

I admit I do not know much about any of the Pipas -

how large do they get?
is their care similar to ACF?
can they be kept with ACF?

Pipa parva reaches about 2.5 inches. They can be kept much like Xenopus only need larger quarters and warmer temperatures. They will do well in a South American blackwater biotope. I would not recommend mixing species.

[tgampper]

They look just fine to me! Pipa is my favorite genus of frogs. I didn't realize P. parva tadpoles emerged from the females back instead of fully developed froglets. Amazing frogs!

There is no doubt that these frogs are amazing. Unfortunately, species other than P. pipa are quite rare and can be very expensive.

[tjtreefrog]

There is no doubt that these frogs are amazing. Unfortunately, species other than P. pipa are quite rare and can be very expensive.

That is very unfortunate. I just wish I lived in an area where I could go to the pet shop and pick up a Pipa pipa. No such luck. Even Xenopus laevis seem hard to find here . The local pet shops here focus primarily on pure bred dogs, but that's getting off into a new subject. Thanks for the photos, now I have a new species to add to the wish list .

[tgampper]

That is very unfortunate. I just wish I lived in an area where I could go to the pet shop and pick up a Pipa pipa. No such luck. Even Xenopus laevis seem hard to find here . The local pet shops here focus primarily on pure bred dogs, but that's getting off into a new subject. Thanks for the photos, now I have a new species to add to the wish list .

I love all frogs and toads, but I have a special place in my heart for the aquatic frogs. It wasn't too long ago, that these frogs were quite plentiful on the market. However, due to the rise in the chytrid disease (Xenopus is a carrier) and the fact that Xenopus is banned in several states, may have had an effect on availability.