Common riverfrog

Introduction: Common riverfrogs (Amietia angolensis) were first recorded in Angola. They have streamlined bodies with a narrow head and a pointed snout. The banks of slow-moving streams are a favoured habitat, as are other permanent bodies of water. A series of 6 or 7 rapid clicks followed by a short croak can be heard year-round.

Distribution: Along the Namibian range of the Orange River and the far-eastern reaches of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).

Diet: Aquatic insects and spiders.

Colouration: The upperparts are various shades of green or brown, dotted with eye-sized circular dark blotches. Other features include a pale vertebral line and grey or mottled lower skin flank colouring. The underside is smooth and white. The throat is sometimes marbled black, brown or grey.

Breeding: Tadpoles grow up to 80mm. Development is slow; 9 to 12 months is not uncommon, but 2 years has been recorded if food is in short supply or the water is of a very low temperature.

Maximum size: 90mm.