How to Identify African Clawed Frog

To identify African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal coloration ranges from olive green to brown, often with irregular dark blotches or spots, providing camouflage against the substrate. The ventral side is typically white or cream-colored, sometimes with a yellowish tinge.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Three sharp, black claws on each hind foot (hence 'clawed frog'), Fully webbed hind feet, Small, flattened head with dorsally placed eyes, Lack of a visible neck, Lateral line system visible as a series of small pores along the sides of the body, sensitive to water vibrations, Absence of a tongue

Dorsal fin

Not applicable (frog, not fish)

Tail fin

Not applicable (frog, not fish); tadpoles possess a tail, adults do not.

Pectoral fin

Not applicable (frog, not fish)

Distinctive fins

Not applicable (frog, not fish)

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Claws

   Look for the three distinct black claws on the inner three toes of each hind foot. This is a definitive characteristic.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its flattened, somewhat pear-shaped body and small, pointed head are distinctive. Unlike many frogs, it lacks a prominent neck.

3. 3

   Eyes

   The eyes are small and positioned dorsally (on top of the head), allowing it to see while mostly submerged.

4. 4

   Lateral Line System

   Observe the series of small, raised pores or dots running along its sides, which are part of its sensory lateral line system, similar to fish.

5. 5

   Aquatic Nature

   It is almost exclusively aquatic; if you see a frog that rarely leaves the water and fits the above descriptions, it's likely a Xenopus laevis.

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