Water-Holding Frog: Holds Large Quantities of Water in Their Body

Elisia Yun
The Water-holding frog has many interesting qualities and characteristics which can only be found in Australia which makes it that much more precious. Normally, they are more prominent in southern Australia, and not many of these frogs can be found in northern Australia. The water-holding frog will normally prefer to live in grasslands, and temporary swamp areas.

The water-holding frog's name comes from their ability to hold water. As we all know, Australia is a pretty hot area. During hot and dry conditions, the water-holding frog will bury themselves into the sand, and become inactive. At this time, the frog will release some mucous which will line their skin, and harden their body helping them keep large amounts of water inside their body. When it finally rains, the water-holding frog will emerge from underground, and will burst this layer which has been encrusted over their skin. This inactive state is known as aestivation which is similar to hibernation.

The water-holding frog was very popular among the aboriginals. The aboriginals used their interesting and unusual ability to the best of their ability. The aboriginals will dig up these frogs from the ground, and apply a slight pressure to the frog causing it to release the water in their body. They will use this water for their own drinking needs, and more especially in hot and dry weather and conditions. The aboriginals will release the frogs unharmed after getting their water from their body.

The water-holding frog has a broad flat head, and a stout body. They are normally a dull color ranging from green to brown. These frogs are not very large, and are normally only around a couple of centimeters big; however, they can still retain quite a large quantity of water in their body. The females of this specie are generally a bit larger than the males.

The water-holding frog has a complex diet which consists of insects, and even small fish. The water-holding frog will lunge itself at their prey, and quickly stuff it in their mouths, and swallow it. They really have an amazing ability to catch prey underwater, and seeing them at work first hand is definitely a delight to the eyes, and a pretty amazing sight. Their ability probably comes from the fact that they have muscular and strong body.

The water-holding frog has quite some interesting reproduction statuses especially since they will try to avoid the hot and dry weather. The water-holding frog will only emerge from the ground after it rains; thus, their reproduction status really depends on the environment, and the weather. The eggs will normally be laid in vegetated areas close to water; however, the area needs to be highly monitored by the frogs until they believe it is a good area with adequate oxygen, and a good environment.

The water-holding frog is definitely interesting for its abilities. After all, can you imagine digging up one of these from the ground, and squirting the water from them out for drinking water?

Published by Elisia Yun

Elisia is currently studying biology.   View profile

  • The water-holding frog is capable of holding large amounts of water in their body.
  • During hot days, they will bury under the ground, and their skin will release a mucous.
  • The water-holding frog has many muscles which gives them an ability to catch underwater prey.
Aboriginals in Australia would dig these frogs up, and squirt the water from them to use as drinking water.

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  • frogs 8/20/2009

    frogs are slimy

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