Neotenic Frogs?

[TheAmphibianGuy]

Can frogs become neotenic? The reason I think they could is that they have a larval stage.

 

[JM29]

Hi,
There are no known really neotenic frogs.
Some cases of long last Xenopus ta^poles have been reported but none have been able to breed.
http://jeb.biologists.org/content/jexbio/207/12/2133.full.pdf
Nevertheless, the whole family Pipidae (Pipa, Xenopus, Hymenochaerus) is considered as pedomorphic (no eyelids, lateral line present) : they undergo un uncomplete metamorphosis.

Anyway, notice most male anurans need their fore limbs to be able to breed.

I hope I've answered your questions.

 

[FrogEyes]

The nature of frog reproductive cycles makes it very difficult to be neotenic, however, several species of Sphaenorhynchus treefrogs reach sexual maturity while they still have tails and have not completed metamorphosis. In theory, a frog could reach maturity and never lose the tail, which would make for an interesting 'new' sort of creature.

 

[TheAmphibianGuy]

Cool thanks I will possibly do an experiment to see what the conditions make a frog stay with larval characteristics for the longest amount of time then try to see if I can improve those conditions to make them retain the tail