Amphibians

Amphibians derive their name from the Greek word ‘amphibious’ which mean ‘double life.’ This is due to the fact that juveniles live in water and breath using gills, whereas adults develop lungs and live both in and out of water. The tadpole undergoes what is called ‘metamorphosis’ to change into an adult frog.

Frog Colours

Frogs come in many different colours. Some use this as a warning mechanism to show that they are poisonous, whereas some use this as camouflage to hide from their predators. Some species are even able to change colour depending on their surroundings.

Conservation

Very little is known about the breeding habits of some species of frog. Here at Deep Sea World, we study our amphibians life cycles to try and find out the trigger mechanisms for breeding. When successful, eggs, tadpoles and froglets are exchanged with other zoos and aquariums for further study. This process ensures a good mix of genes and helps to conserve the species.

Our collection of amphibians includes the green poison frog, red-eye tree frog, blue poison dart from, golden poison frog and mudskippers.

Breeding News

 

Delighted aquarists at the Deep Sea World Aquarium in North Queensferry are celebrating after successfully breeding nine golden arrow frogs – believed to be the deadliest vertebrates on the planet

 

 

 

Despite measuring less than a centimeter in length, the tiny amphibians have got a fearsome reputation. A single wild individual was found to contain enough poison to kill up to 200 people.

Bright, almost metallic golden yellow in colour, the frogs are found only in the. rainforests of the Chaco region of west Colombia.

First described by science in 1978, the lethal properties of the tiny frog have been well known to the native tribes for centuries. They use the toxin secreted from the skin of the frogs to poison their blowgun darts.

The darts are wiped over the backs of poison dart frogs after heating them over a fire. Once a dart is poisoned, it remains toxic for up to two years.

Scientists believe the frogs produce their chemical arsenal by metabolising toxins contained in their prey; mostly insects, ants and other invertebrates.

Deep Sea World Aquarist Michael Morris said: “These beautiful frogs are under increasing threat in the wild due to loss of habitat and pollution and we are delighted to have been able to breed them successfully here in Scotland.

“It’s imperative we are able to mimic exactly their wild environment in order for the species to thrive in captivity and it’s a real achievement they are breeding so successfully. 

“They’ve passed the critical stage of development from tadpoles into froglets and they now look like perfect miniature replicas of their parents,” he added.

There are around 70 different species of poison dart frogs found throughout the rainforests of Central and South America. Loss of habitat threatens their long-term survival chances and captive breeding programmes are being set up worldwide to try and safeguard their future.

Despite their deadly status it is hoped that the golden arrow frog could one day help save lives.

Medical Researchers are developing muscle relaxants, heart stimulants, and anaesthetics made from the frogs’ toxins which have the potential to become a far more effective and less addictive alternative to morphine.

The golden arrow frogs are the centre attraction in the Amazing Amphibians exhibition at Deep Sea World, which is one of the largest amphibian displays in the UK.