Phrynobatrachus

Phrynobatrachus, commonly known as puddle frogs, dwarf puddle frogs, African puddle frogs, or African river frogs, is a genus of frogs native to Sub-Saharan Africa. These amphibians belong to the family Phrynobatrachidae, a group formerly categorized as a subfamily of Ranidae but now recognized as a distinct family. They may be closely related to the families Petropedetidae, Pyxicephalidae, and Ptychadenidae.

As their name suggests, puddle frogs are known for breeding in temporary water bodies such as puddles. They are widespread across Africa and are typically small and agile. Most species lay numerous tiny eggs in still or slow-moving water, which hatch into exotrophic tadpoles—tadpoles that feed on external food sources.

Interestingly, the genus Phrynobatrachus can be divided into three main clades, which may eventually be classified as separate genera. This highlights the diversity within this group of fascinating and adaptable amphibians.