What Are the Predators of the Amazon Horned Frog?

Mature Amazon horned frogs usually grow to between 4 and 6 inches in length and a maximum of 1 pound. The males are usually smaller than the females, but more intensely colored. Females are generally beige, and the males can be anything from deep green to yellowish-green. They inhabit forests where they spend their time in heaps of foliage. Their reproduction takes place within pools. These frogs can breed starting at age 3 or 4.

Luckily for Amazon horned frogs, they have no confirmed "other animal" predators. Strangely, they are their own major predators. Amazon horned frog tadpoles frequently battle it out with each other immediately after birth. Adult specimens also routinely dine on tadpoles.

Their muted coloring operates as a handy disguise against predation, allowing these amphibians to stay inconspicuous and low-key in the face of potential danger. Would-be predators typically don't notice them. Their horns might further befuddle predators, as these protuberances could be confused for something else in the environment, such as stalks of foliage.

People sometimes keep these amphibians as pets, which occasionally could influence their numbers in the wild. Despite possible occasional trapping for sale as pets, the overall population of Amazon horned frogs in the wild is thought to be constant and in no current danger.

Amazon horned frogs are ambush predators. They hide in piles of leaves, heads sticking out, to await small prey. Once they spot prey, they jump up and consume the unsuspecting animal intact and in one fell swoop. They secure their preys' bodies using their lengthy chompers. Amazon horned frogs' big mouths help them greatly in these efforts. Some typical food items for them are tiny frogs, fishes and mice.