African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus) and African Dwarf Frogs(Hymenochirus) are said to have evolved 125 million years
ago during the time that Africa and South America were still connected. This is when the Pipidae family divided
into four genera:
*Pipa (South America)
*Xenopus
(Africa)
*Hymenochirus (Africa)
*Pseudonymenochirus
The word Xenopus means "Strange Foot" and Laevis means "Smooth".
All species of Pipidae are toungless, toothless and completely aquatic. They use their hands to shove food in their mouths
and down their throats and a Hyobranchial Pump to draw or suck food in their mouth. Pipidae have powerful legs for
swimming and lunging after food. They also use the claws on their feet to tear pieces of large food. They lack true ears
but have latteral lines running down the legnth of the body and underside (Frankenstein stitches), this is
how they can sense movements and vibration in the water. They use their sensitive fingers, sense of smell, and lateral
line system to find food. They are a scavenger and will eat anything living, dying or dead and any type of organic waste.
Please come over and join my frog-friendly discussion group! It is a fantastic group of active members,
including myself, and other experienced ACF/ADF hobbiests! If you have an urgent question I guarentee you will have your answer
in less then a day, and you will also recieve advice from multiple members for second and third opinions too! It
is also a great place to chat with other fellow ACF/ADF fanatics to learn new tips and suggestions for all aspects of their
care. I hope to see you there!
