Xenopus laevis (African Clawed frog)

Animal Amphibians
Family: Pipidae
Classification: Prohibited

African Clawed Frog
African clawed frog

What was historically included in Xenopus laevis is now several species. All members of the genus Xenopus are ecologically similar. They are non-selective predators that eat anything in the aquatic environment: invertebrates, crustaceans, amphibians, and fish. They have a long life span, an extended breeding season, and are prolific reproducers. They are capable of surviving through severe drought and freezing conditions.

This species was widely used in the 1940's and 1950's for human pregnancy testing. Populations of African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) have been introduced into several areas in North America and other countries. Not a great deal is known about its impacts on native species. However, these voracious frogs are very prolific and have proven capable of colonizing a broad range of aquatic habitats. They have become established in at least seven counties in Southern California, and there is some evidence it poses a threat to native amphibians and fishes there. They grow to be about the size of an adult human fist.

The dwarf African clawed frogs, the genus Hymenochirus, are widely sold in the pet trade and are unlikely to present a threat where they to escape due Washington's climate regime. They are smaller, seldom exceeding an inch and a half, andtheir eyes are not as prominent as the larger species. They also have webbing on their front feet, and appear thinner around the waist.