Phrynobatrachus


Phrynobatrachus is a genus of Sub-Saharan frogs that form the monogeneric family Phrynobatrachidae. Their common name is puddle frogs, dwarf puddle frogs, African puddle frogs, or African river frogs.
The common name, puddle frog, refers to the fact that many species breed in temporary waterbodies such as puddles.
Phrynobatrachus are among the most common amphibians in Africa. They are typically small, fast-moving frogs. They occupy a variety of habitats from dry savannas to rainforests. Most species deposit many small eggs as a surface clutch in standing or slowly moving water and have exotrophic tadpoles.

Taxonomy

Phrynobatrachidae has earlier been considered as a subfamily of Ranidae, but its recognition as a family is now well-established. It is probably most closely related to Petropedetidae and Pyxicephalidae or Ptychadenidae.
This large genus may be further divided into three major clades. These clades could be treated as different genera, but this arrangement is not yet in use.

Species

There are currently 95 species in this genus: