The term "Pipidae" refers to a family of amphibians commonly known as the "pipids" or "tongueless frogs." This family belongs to the order Anura, which includes all frogs and toads. Pipidae is a diverse and unique group of aquatic frogs, comprising five recognized genera: Hymenochirus (dwarf African clawed frogs), Xenopus (clawed frogs), Pseudhymenochirus (tadpole frogs), Silurana (African dwarf frogs), and Pelobates (European spadefoot toads).
Pipidae species are mainly found in Africa, but can also be found in other parts of the world such as South and Central America. One noticeable characteristic of pipids is their lack of vocal sacs and vocalizations, leading to the term "tongueless frogs." They possess specialized tongues that are used for primarily feeding purposes rather than vocalization.
These amphibians have a variety of adaptations to their aquatic lifestyle, including webbed hind feet for swimming and an elongated, flattened body shape for better maneuverability in the water. They rely on lungs for respiration, but are also capable of obtaining oxygen through their skin.
The reproductive strategy of Pipidae species is distinctive, as they practice external fertilization. The male grasps the female from behind and releases sperm onto her eggs outside of her body. Pipid eggs are usually laid in water, where they develop into aquatic larvae, commonly known as tadpoles, before transforming into adults.
Pipidae species play important roles in aquatic ecosystems. They feed on various invertebrates, helping control their populations. Furthermore, some members of this family, particularly Xenopus species, have become commonly used models in scientific
