The world's largest frog species

Goliath frog, (Conraua goliath), West African frog inhabiting dense lowland rainforests and a few fast-moving rivers and waterfalls in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. Classified in the family Conrauidae, it is best known as the world’s largest frog species. Males and females grow as long as 32 cm (12.6 inches), and the largest adults (which are often females) weigh 3 kg (6.6 pounds) or more. The goliath frog is an endangered species whose population has declined because of hunting and capture as well as its specific habitat and food  requirements and narrow tolerance limits, which make it vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation.

The goliath frog’s geographic range  extends from southwestern Cameroon south across the northern half of Río Muni (Continental Equatorial Guinea). It inhabits clear, warm rivers whose temperature hovers near 19.4 °C (67 °F) and nearby riverbanks and humid, undisturbed old-growth or secondary-growth forests (see also secondary succession). The species prefers waters that are highly oxygenated but slightly acidic.

A unique habitat

Adult goliath frogs spend most of their time in the river to avoid daytime heat with only part of their heads above water. At night, they venture onto riverbanks to search for food. Larger adults sometimes bask in the sun on rocks, with occasional dips in the water to stay moist. Adult and juvenile frogs are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, worms, spiders, scorpions, fish, and even other frogs and small mammals. In captivity, they have been known to eat adult white mice. The tadpoles are herbivorous, however, and feed exclusively on Dicraeia warmingii, an aquatic plant found on rocks in rapids and near waterfalls. Having such an exclusive diet at this critical life stage may partially explain the species’ narrow habitat range. Despite their bulk, adult goliath frogs can jump up to 3 meters (10 feet) to escape predators, which include lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and human beings. Goliath frog eggs  are sometimes consumed by shrimp.