Surinam horned frog

The Surinam horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta), also known as Amazonian horned frog, is a bulky frog measuring up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) found in the northern part of South America. It has an exceptionally wide mouth, and has horn-like projections above its eyes. Females lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time, and wrap them around aquatic plants. The frog eats other frogs, lizards, and mice. Tadpoles of the Surinam horned frog attack each other (and tadpoles from other species) soon after being hatched.

Surinam horned frog
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Ceratophryidae
Genus: Ceratophrys
Species:
C. cornuta
Binomial name
Ceratophrys cornuta

This species was once considered the same species as Ceratophrys ornata. This dispute was later settled because the Surinam Horned frog inhabits a different habitat than its smaller cousin and does not interbreed with it in the wild (but will do so in captivity). This species has been known to prey upon the other species of horned frog, especially the northern race of Ceratophrys ornata.

References

  • La Marca; et al. (2004). "Ceratophrys cornuta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004. Retrieved 12 May 2006.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link) Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
  • Animal, Smithsonian Institution, 2005, pg. 445
  • Ditmar's Reptiles of the World: 1937

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