The Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) may not look like much, but its appearance can change dramatically. During most of the season, both genders are a rather dull kaki-olive-green, but once the mating season comes around, things change drastically: males put on their good suits to impress all the ladies!
Indian bullfrog during the mating season.
They turn yellow, except for the vocal sacks, which turn blue. It’s not exactly clear how this works, but it’s believed that the brighter the colour, the more attractive the male is. Another interesting fact about the Indian Bullfrog is that when threatened (or when it really wants), it can jump on the surface just as it would jump on land, despite being a relatively large frog.
Indian bullfrog during the rest of the year. Photographer: Sandilya Theuerkauf
The species inhabits wetlands of South and South East Asia, inhabiting holes and bushes near permanent waters. It’s mostly a nocturnal animal, and its diet consists of insects, and occasionaly small mammals and birds. Breeding takes place during the monsoon season, which is why it hasn’t really been studied until recent years. The Indian Bullfrog has been farmed in Thailand since the 1990s for food.
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