THE STEINHART AQUARIUM - Gulf of Guinea Science ...

Like most toads, its poison glands secrete a
toxic fluid used to deter predators.
Borneo River Toad
Phrynoidis juxtaspera (Bufonidae)
Distribution: This species is widely distributed
in Borneo and Sumatra. It probably occurs
more widely than current records suggest,
especially in areas between known sites. It
occurs up to elevations of 1,600 meters.
Habitat: Found along rocky creeks and
riverbanks. Breed in rocky-bottomed, strong
flowing streams where the larvae also develop.
Appearance: Phrynoidis juxtaspera is one
of the two river toads. It can get as big as a
small rabbit. The toad has extensive webbing
between toes and is a good swimmer; strong
legs make it a good jumper as well.
Diet: Ants, other insects, spiders.
Reproduction and Development: No specific
information found. Most species of toads lay
eggs in water. The eggs develop into tadpoles,
which metamorphose into adult toads.
Remarks: The toads secrete large amounts of
highly toxic, milky poison from their warts
when molested. Not only skin secretions of
adults but also eggs and tadpoles are poisonous.
However, large specimens are hunted for food
in some areas: the toad is skinned, washed, and
cooked. The heat denatures the toxins.
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog
Dendrobates auratus (Dendrobatidae)
Distribution: Central America to Northwest
Colombia.
Habitat: Lowland primary tropical rainforests.
Active diurnally.
Appearance: Length to 4.2 cm female, 4.0 cm
male. Calligraphic green marking on dark
background. Color and pattern varies widely
among populations of this species.
Diet: Ants and mites, also tiny beetles, flies and
springtails. Often captures insects feeding on
rotting fruit.
Reproduction and Development: Males territorial
at high population densities. Females do not
defend territories, but some females guard protecting
males and attack other females. Lay eggs in
leaf litter during rainy season. Male visits the eggs
periodically during the two weeks of development
and sheds water on them, removes fungi and
California Academy of Sciences
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rotates eggs. Males can tend offspring of several
different females simultaneously. The male of this
species transports tadpoles on its back, typically
one at a time, to pools of water, commonly in tree
cavities. The male excretes a thick mucus on its
back, soluble only in water so the tadpoles are
securely attached until arrival in their new home.
Mortality/Longevity: Life span: known to live
8 years in captivity, probably a much shorter
period in the wild.
Conservation status: Still reported to be locally
common. Popular in the pet trade; most sold
are captive-born.
Remarks: Common in cocoa (not coca) plantations.
Introduced to Hawaii to control non-native
insect populations. The “success” of this experiment
has yet to be proven.
Aposematic (“warning”) coloration shies
diurnal predators away from this bold frog.
Blue Poison Dart Frog
Dendrobates azureus (Dendrobatidae)
Distribution: Panama and Guyanas.
Habitat: Adults entirely terrestrial. Active
diurnally.
Appearance: Length to 5 cm. Electric-blue
coloration, flecked with black.
Diet: Carnivorous.
Reproduction and Development: Several
clutches of 5-13 eggs per female. Eggs laid in
leaf litter. Male apparently selectively guard
eggs; often protects one clutch more than
another. When the eggs hatch, the tadpoles
wriggle to the male’s dorsum. The male
transports them, one or two at a tme to quiet
pools within leaves of bromeliads or into tree
cavities.
Mortality/Longevity: Life span: to 10 years
Conservation Status: Endangered due to rain
forest destruction.
Remarks: Aposematic “warning coloration”
shies diurnal predators away from this tiny
but bold frog.
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
Oophaga (formerly Dendrobates) pumilio
(Dendrobatidae)
Distribution: Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama.
Habitat: Tropical rain forest leaf litter and