The Complete Embryonic and Larval Stages of the Oophagous Frog Kurixalus eiffingeri (Rhacophoridae)

Abstract

We studied and documented the normal development of the tree-hole breeding frog Kurixalus eiffingeri from oocyte to completion of metamorphosis in the laboratory at a temperature of 25±2 C. We divided its development into 46 stages and then described and illustrated its external features at each stage. Uncleft eggs at the stage 1 of development were 2.10 mm (SD=0.14) in diameter. Most larvae hatched at the stage 25, usually by seven days after fertilization. Soon after hatching, tadpoles fed on unfertilized eggs that were supplied periodically by the parent female as observed in the field. Dorsally situated eyes, a frontally placed mouth, scarce teeth (dental formula 2/2), and a large stomach of this tadpole may be adaptive for eating trophic eggs that are generally soft and supplied periodically from the surface of water. By 43 days on the average, the tadpoles attained their maximum size, reaching stage 41 and 29.74 mm (SD=1.13) in total length, with a relatively long tail, which is also an adaptive trait for swimming to the water surface to eat the trophic eggs. During the subsequent tail absorption, the basal half of their forelegs became white and prominent against their dark grey bodies. After 53 days on the average, the tadpoles completed their metamorphosis into frogs, reaching their final 46th stage and 11.10 mm (SD=0.94) in snout to vent length.