Paradoxical Frog: An Intriguing Ambhibian which Grows Smaller as it gets Older

The world of nature is an endless source of wonder and amazement, offering a multitude of surprises at every turn. From the tiniest insect that scurries across the forest floor to the largest mammal that roams the grassy plains, every creature has its own unique characteristics and traits that make it fascinating to observe. But among the many creatures that inhabit this diverse ecosystem, there is one species of amphibian that stands out for its extraordinary and perplexing quality - the Paradoxical frog, also known as the shrinking frog.

Paradoxical Frog 

(Pseudis paradoxa )

Paradoxical frog by Mauricio Rivera Correa  via Wikimedia commons

    
Scientific classification
Kingdom Animal kingdom
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Ambhibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Genus: Pseudis
Species: P. Paradoxa
.


Paradoxical frog (Pseudis paradox), also known as the shrinking frog, is a type of hylid frog that is indigenous to South America. Its name alludes to the peculiar fact that its tadpoles, which are the longest in the world at up to 27 cm long, "shrink" during metamorphosis into adult frogs that are barely a quarter to a third of their original length.

Some theories suggest that the shrinking may be due to the fact that the tadpoles grow to such an enormous size to ensure their survival and to compete for resources. Once they metamorphose into adult frogs, however, they no longer need to grow as large, and thus, shrink to a more manageable size. 
 
Other species in the genus Pseudis also have this characteristic, thus P. paradoxa is not the only one with this paradoxical change.

Life-Cycle


Paradoxical frog by Mauricio Rivera Correa  via Wikimedia commons


The tadpoles of Paradoxical frogs are born in ponds, lakes, lagoons, and similar waters, where they feed mostly on algae. They reach a large size, but the final size varies depending on the conditions of their habitat, with tadpoles in larger, food-rich waters growing larger than those in smaller, predator-rich waters. Once the metamorphosis is complete, the adult frogs emerge with a snout-to-vent length of 3.4-7.6 cm and a green to brown coloration with dark green, olive or dark brownish stripes or mottling.


The adult frogs feed on a range of insects and invertebrates, including flies, beetles, true bugs, plantsuckers, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and small frogs. They are active day and night, always in or near water. The frog utilises its powerful, extra-jointed toes to dig through the mucky bottom and hide when it feels threatened or to search for food in lakes and ponds. 

Distribution

Map data  via Google, INEJI


These frogs have a widely dispersed population in the Magdalena River basin in Colombia and the far western regions of Venezuela. These amphibians inhabit a variety of ecosystems, with their habitat ranging from the Amazon and the Guianas to Venezuela and Trinidad. Interestingly, a related species, P. platensis, which is found further south in the Pantanal region and northern Argentina, has been previously recognized as a subspecies, but its validity as a separate species is a subject of debate within the scientific community.

Potential Medicinal Use

Psuedin-2 
Their skin contains a substance called pseudin-2 that shields them from infections. A synthetic version of this substance was shown to be able to increase the release of insulin in pancreatic cells without causing any harm to the cells, according to a study done in March 2008 by researchers from the Universities of Ulster and the United Arab Emirates. However, further research and clinical trials are required to fully understand the efficacy and safety of this compound for diabetes treatment. Nonetheless, the frog's unique ability to produce compounds with medicinal properties highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation and the potential benefits that can be derived from studying and preserving natural ecosystems. ironclad beet’s shell by Davi

Despite the unique characteristics of this species, Pseudis paradoxa is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Although like many amphibian species, it continues to face a number of concerns, such as pollution, disease, habitat loss, and climate change.




References

  • Pseudin-2 | 388602-02-6. (n.d.). ChemicalBook, May 4, 2023, https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB32477148.htm.


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