Frogs come in all sizes, but some are massive! From rainforest to urban-dwelling fogs, these amphibians can reach shocking weights. Some are endangered, and others are invasive. Here are the top 10 largest frogs on Earth – and what we can learn about them.
1. Goliath Frog ( Conraua Goliath)
This is the world’s biggest frog, growing up to 32 cm (12.6 in) and weighing 3.3 kg (7.3 lb). The Goliath frog is found in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea in rainforests near waterfalls and rivers and can grow to over 3 meters (10 ft)! Sadly, these amphibians face extinction due to hunting, habitat loss, and the pet trade, which threaten their survival.
2. Chilean Giant Frog (Calyptocephalella Gayi)
Native to Chile, this frog reaches 32 cm (12.5 in) and weighs up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). Its population is decreasing due to trade and illegal hunting. The Chilean giant frog has a knobby back and splotchy green skin that allows it to blend well into the trees of the Andean foothills
3.The Cane Toad (Rhinella Marina)
Also known as the giant or marine toad, this omnivorous amphibian is native to South and Central America. They usually weigh about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg), but the largest on record weighed about 2.7 kg (6 lb). Although they are known to be ground-dwellers living in urban areas, they can also live in habitats such as dunes, coastal grasslands, and the edges of mangrove swamps and rainforests.
4. Lake Junin Frog (Telmatobius Macrostomus)
Also known as the Andes Smooth Frog, this frog lives in Peru’s Lake Junin and the Mantaro River. The Lake Junin frog weighs around 2 kg (4.4 lb) and can reach 30 cm (12 in) in length. Pollution and overhunting have majorly contributed to these amphibians making the endangered list.
5. African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus Adspersus)
Known as the giant bullfrog, the African frog is found mainly in Southern Africa and some parts of East and Central Africa. Males can weigh up to 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) and grow to 24.5 cm (9.6 in) in length. Strangely, females are half the size of males because female amphibians are generally larger than males.
6. Blyth’s River Frog (Limnonectes Blythii)
The Blyth’s River Frog can grow up to 26 cm (10.2 in) and possibly weigh more than 1 kg (2.2 lb). These frogs are found in streams with gravel and rocks in evergreen forests. In Thailand, it is called “กบทูด”. The Blyth’s River Frog is the largest in Asia. It is also impacted by habitat loss.
7. Mountain Chicken (Leptodactylus Fallax)
Supposedly tasting like chicken, this 22 cm (8.7 in), 1 kg (2.2 lb) frog is one of the Caribbean’s largest amphibians. With at least 80% population decline from 1995 to 2004, a handful are found in Dominica and some in Montserrat. Conservation efforts are in place to save this vanishing giant.
8. American Bullfrog (Lithobates Catesbeianus)
Reaching 20 cm (8 in) and 800 g (1.8 lb), the American bullfrog is known for its deep, resonating call, similar to a bull bellowing. It is commonly found in large permanent water bodies such as swamps, ponds, and lakes, but it can also live in manmade habitats such as pools, koi ponds, canals, ditches, and culverts.
9. Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus Pentadactylus)
Found in northern South America and parts of Central America, this tropical frog weighs about 500 g (1.1 lb). The Smoky Jungle Frog is a master of survival. It secretes a toxic mucus to deter predators and can let out a scream when threatened.
10. South American Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys Aurita)
Closing this list is a colorful frog with females weighing up to 480 g (1 lb.) Nicknamed the “Pac-Man Frog” for its giant mouth, it swallows prey almost as big as itself! It’s an ambush predator found in South America with a ferocious appetite.
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