Status: | Species: | Common Name: | Last Update: |
---|---|---|---|
Offline | Heleophryne natalensis | Natal ghost frog | ----- |
Offline | Heleophryne rosei | Rose’s ghost frog | ----- |
The Family Heleophrynidae, commonly known as ghost frogs, is a small group of amphibians endemic to rapid-flowing mountain streams in southern Africa. These frogs are adapted to fast-moving water, with flattened bodies, broad heads, and specialized toe discs that help them cling to rocks. They are mostly aquatic as tadpoles, feeding on algae and detritus, while adults are carnivorous, eating insects and other small invertebrates. Heleophrynids are of ecological interest due to their restricted habitats and sensitivity to environmental changes, making them important indicators of freshwater ecosystem health.