Lake Titicaca frog sitting underwater looking out at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Lake Titicaca Frog

Paignton Zoo cares for a colony of Lake Titicaca frogs, which are housed in Amphibian Ark.

Lake Titicaca FrogTelmatobius culeus

  • Class:

    Amphibia

  • Order:

    Anura

  • Family:

    Telmatobiidae

About the Lake Titicaca frog

The Lake Titicaca frog is a unique high-altitude amphibian adapted to life in cold freshwater. Growing to around 6–8 centimetres, it is known for its loose, folded skin, which increases surface area for absorbing oxygen underwater.

This fully aquatic species lives in Lake Titicaca and surrounding waters, feeding on aquatic invertebrates. Its remarkable adaptations allow it to survive in oxygen-poor environments at high elevations.

Conservation

The species is classified as Critically Endangered, with pollution, introduced fish species and overharvesting in Bolivia and Peru posing serious threats.