ceratophryid

Ceratophryidae is a family of frogs commonly known as the large-mouthed frogs or ornate horned frogs. This family is found in South America, inhabiting grasslands, savannas, and forests. They are characterized by their broad heads, large mouths, and often prominent cranial ornamentation, such as horns or crests above the eyes.

The most well-known genus within Ceratophryidae is Ceratophrys, which includes species like the Argentine horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata) and the Pacman frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli). These frogs are ambush predators with powerful jaws and a voracious appetite, capable of consuming prey as large as themselves, including other frogs, lizards, and even small mammals. They have a sedentary lifestyle, often burying themselves in leaf litter or soil to wait for prey.

Reproduction in Ceratophryidae typically involves external fertilization. Males call to attract females, and mating usually occurs in temporary pools or ponds. The females lay large clutches of eggs, which develop into tadpoles. The tadpole stage can vary significantly in duration depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species exhibit cannibalistic behavior among tadpoles.

The family is relatively small, consisting of a few genera and a limited number of species. Despite their distinctive appearance and hunting strategy, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation, which poses a threat to their populations in the wild. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the survival of these unique amphibians.