the gaint and the dwarf

[fishy332003]

Hi,
How can you tell the different when the are babies? I'm always afraid to mistake buying the dwarf one instead i real want is gaint.

phil

[tgampper]

It is very difficult to tell the difference between giant and dwarf juveniles. They are nearly identical. I used to have a giant bullfrog, but now have two dwarf bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus edulis). There are a couple of key characteristics that may help you to determine which species they are. The dwarf juvenile and adult will have a white spot in the tympanum (ear drum), while the giant doesn't. The other characteristic is the distance between the eye and the tympanum. In the giant, the distance between the eye and tympanum is about twice the diameter of the eye; the dwarf the distance is about the same as the diameter of the eye. This information comes from: A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa by L. du Preez and V. Carruthers.

[Sandy Bear]

Dwarf Pyxies:
The Frog Ranch :: Animals :: Dwarf Pixie Frog

Giant Pyxies:
The Frog Ranch :: Animals :: Giant Pixie Frog

There are some other types of pyxies on the market too, so just look up lots of pictures and bring them with you when you go to pick out babies. I ordered in a "giant" pyxie from the pet shop one time, and it had the 3 stripes like the baby giants usually have, but the stripes weren't green, they were yellow. The little guy also never grew bigger then a golf ball. It was a pyxie alright, but it wasn't a dwarf and it wasn't a giant.

If you ever end up with an accidental dwarf, I will take him off your hands I love dwarf pyxies.

[tgampper]

The genus Pyxicephalus currently has three species - P. adspersus (giant bullfrog), P.edulis (dwarf or edible bullfrog) and P. obbianus (Calabresi's bullfrog). Fairly recently, the genus had many more species, but since then species known as dwarf pyxies or sand frogs have been placed in the genus Tomopterna. The frogs look very similar to the edible bullfrog, but the morphological and ecological differences justify placing sand frogs in another genus. Also, it is worth noting that the edible bullfrog is also known as the "African bullfrog" in south African field guides, possibly leading to some confusion. The tympanum of Calabresi's bullfrog is distinguished from the other species by being larger than the eye and lies very close to it. Before buying pyxies, make sure you do your homework first.

I really like my dwarfs

[FLUXCORE]

We ended up with a dwarf, although closely resembles a giant but retained its single strip and its a dull yellowish/gray and has not faded over time. its grown incredibly in the last month since we got it, now its roughly 4.5" across its back. Its a great eater and goes nuts throwing pinky mice around so hard they hit the roof of the tank before the final hang on and gulp down!!!! I love it. it also croaks when first put to bed on its 12HR cycle which is cute and funny for the kids. here is a pick of when i firs got it.