World’s Largest Frog: Working with Goliath Frogs

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi All,


Pac Man Frogs, African Bullfrogs and Marine Toads usually take center stage when talk turns to giant frogs. But the real goliath among them is, well, the Goliath Frog…


As a child, my information on the Goliath Frog, Conraua goliath, was limited to a few brief sentences hidden away in various books, but this was enough to spark my interest. Eventually, a life-sized sculpture of one at the American Museum of Natural History (please see photo) gave me some idea of just how impressive a creature it was, and my desire to learn more intensified. Happily, I found a job at the Bronx Zoo shortly after a group of Goliath Frogs arrived there from Cameroon, and I was able to indulge my passion. One of my new charges spanned 25 inches with legs extended…nothing, not even the enormous African Bullfrogs and Marine Toads (or, for that matter, Leatherback Turtles!) that I had already handled prepared me for the sight of that amazing animal.
Read more here http://bit.ly/11lSO3I
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj.

Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp
Face Book http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

 

[Vicious_Fish]

I love fat frogs and own a large female P. adspersus who I've had for about 5 years now. Goliath's have always interested me since I saw pics of them when I was a little kid in National Geographic Magazine.

Has anyone figured out how to get these guys to breed in captivity? I know they only export a very, very small handfull every year so I don't think a lot of private individuals are working with them. I thought I read somewhere that breed under water falls or something in the wild? Any truth to that?

 

[Chub_by]

Hi Frank,

Again an interesting read! You probably have the record for most contribution weeks after signing up to the site!

Sent from my Toaster

 

[Miguel]

I have owned large pacmans and large pixies. Never saw one of those, however!

 

[benzjamin13]

I've always thought it would be cool too have one. I've had an African Bullfrog for about 5 years now.

Sent from my MB860 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[BronxZooFrank]

I love fat frogs and own a large female P. adspersus who I've had for about 5 years now. Goliath's have always interested me since I saw pics of them when I was a little kid in National Geographic Magazine.

Has anyone figured out how to get these guys to breed in captivity? I know they only export a very, very small handfull every year so I don't think a lot of private individuals are working with them. I thought I read somewhere that breed under water falls or something in the wild? Any truth to that?

I know that article..and likely have the issue!! ..one of those 'wow" moments that stay through the decades. Thanks for the reminder...

I can't find any breeding records...through my work, I have access to Am Zoo Assn. records, but no luck. The streams they inhabit are generally fast flowing, with waterfalls, but eggs have been found in pools among rapids. However, not many published observations, quite possible they were seen in the situation you mention.

The record longevity for Af bullfrogs is 51 years, so you have some time to work on her weight! As for fat, how about one that ate 17 hatchling spitting cobras?...see here when you get a chance http://bit.ly/hD3qx8.

Take care, frank

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi Frank,

Again an interesting read! You probably have the record for most contribution weeks after signing up to the site!

Sent from my Toaster

Much appreciated, Ben. I'm, very fiortunate in having wide interests and the chance to indulge many of them. Have wworked with and am fascinated by fishes as well, esp the "oddballs", US natives, cats, etc. I write occ articles as well, even managed to get 2 related books published, altho that is much harder to do these days; I'll post some fish articles soon, just a bit behind on some deadlines...thanks for the warm welcome, this is a wonderful site - I'm reading more than posting! Best regards, Frank

 

[BronxZooFrank]

I have owned large pacmans and large pixies. Never saw one of those, however!

and some pretty large dogs as well I see! I was very lucky with the goliaths...I don;t know of any zoos, here in US or abroad, that have them today. Best, Frank

 

[BronxZooFrank]

I've always thought it would be cool too have one. I've had an African Bullfrog for about 5 years now.

Sent from my MB860 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

iT'S Too bad that neither hobbyists nor zoos are working with them,,,they need help, and have not been bred in captivitty as far as I know. Af Bulls are among my favorites..here's a short article with some interesting info and links, enjoy, Best, Frank