Pipidae
Pipidae is a family of highly aquatic frogs known as tongueless frogs due to the loss of their tongue and many other aquatic specializations. Members have dorso-ventrally flattened bodies, broad webbed hind feet with paddle-like digits, and smooth skin adapted to life in water. They are obligate aquatic breeders and rely on water for most of their life cycle, with many species exhibiting extensive parental care or distinctive reproductive habits.
Taxonomy and genera within Pipidae include Pipa (South America), Hymenochirus (small African frogs), Xenopus (African clawed
Habitat and distribution are tropical and subtropical, with Pipa species native to neotropical wetlands of South
Reproduction and development patterns vary among genera. Most Pipidae reproduce through external fertilization in water, with
Conservation concerns vary by species, but habitat loss and water quality threats affect several Pipidae. The