Types of Albino Clawed Frogs

The only difference between albino clawed frogs and regular clawed frogs is their colors. Albinism is a pigment disorder caused by the lack of melanin, which is the component that gives color to the skin. Therefore, albino clawed frogs have pinkish white bodies, unlike the traditional green or brown typically associated with the species. They also appear to have red eyes because the blood vessels are vibrant against their pale irises. The fair skin and red eyes are unique features that attract many pet owners to these creatures.

  1. African Clawed Frogs

    • African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) are the most common types of albino frogs, although not all of them have the genetic condition. They are named such because of the three claws on their hind feet. The biggest population of these frogs are found in South Africa, hence their name.

    Distinctive Features of African Clawed Frogs

    • Aside from the claws that set them apart from their amphibian cousins, the species has many other distinguishing characteristics. While frogs are popularly believed to have long and sticky tongues, the African clawed frog has none. Its anterior limbs are also not webbed together---another departure from the general idea of frogs. To compensate for the lack of a tongue, the African clawed frog uses its separated front toes to shove food into its mouth. All these distinctive features are present in any member of the species, whether albino or not.

    Lifespan of Albino African Clawed Frogs

    • The average lifespan of an African clawed frog is between 15 and 20 years, depending on the environment where it grows up and lives. Those in captivity are generally able to live longer than their counterparts in the wild. An albino African clawed frog has the same average lifespan. However, since it does not have the ability to camouflage, it is more vulnerable to predators and poachers. Other than this, there are no other qualities that separate the albino from the non-albino ones.

    Other Types of Albino Frogs

    • While the African clawed frog is the most common albino variety, almost any type of frog can turn out with the pigment disorder. After all, it is a simple matter of genetics. Another frog species that is susceptible to albinism is the South American horned frog, more commonly known as the Pacman frog---the nickname hails from the tendency of this species to ingest animals as large as or larger than itself. These frogs are common in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

    Albino African Clawed Frogs as Pets

    • Because they look different, albino African clawed frogs are popular pets. Many pet stores sell different albino species. Just because these frogs differ in appearance does not mean that they need special treatment. In fact, one of the reasons why pet lovers like to take these creatures home is that they are easy to take care of. Tending to both albino and non-albino African clawed frogs does not take much. If they are well cared for, these amphibians would be able to live long, healthy lives.