Peters platanna

Introduction: Peter's Platanna (Xenopus petersii) are named after the German herpetologist, W.C.H. Peter's (1815-1883). Permanent water bodies are their favoured habitat, which includes lakes, wells, and rivers in mainly savannah regions.

Distribution: From Epupa Falls extending along the river border regions with Angola to the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and on to Victoria Falls.

Diet: Aquatic insects and spiders.

Colouration: Brown to dark grey upperparts adorned with irregular dark blotches. A number of lateral line organs are visible along the flanks.

Breeding: Tadpoles grow up to 80mm. Their flattened bodies resemble a small catfish.

Maximum size: 80mm.