Heleophrynidae Archives

Heleophrynidae - Ghost Frogs

There are six species in this family of small to medium-sized frogs. They are found on or under the rocks in fast-moving mountain streams in the southern tip of South Africa.

Ghost frogs have thin skin over their stomachs, and you can see their internal organs and muscles! They have webbed feet, and their toes and fingers have broad tips that they use to cling to slippery rocks.

Ghost frogs are around 2.5 inches in length and have flat bodies that make it easy for them to crawl into rocky crevices.

Ghost frog tadpoles have sucker-like mouths that they use to cling to rocks in the rushing water. It takes as long as two years for ghost frog tadpoles to become frogs.

Hewitt's Ghost Frog
(Heleophryne hewitti)

Hewitt's ghost frog stays hidden in holes or rock crevices during the day. It is found in South Africa. IUCN Redlist: Endangered
Natal Ghost Frog
(Heleophryne natalensis)

The natal ghost frog is found in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. IUCN Redlist: Least Concern
Eastern Ghost Frog
(Heleophryne orientalis)

The eastern ghost frog is found in the Eastern Langeberg Mountains in South Africa. IUCN Redlist: Least Concern
Purcell's Ghost Frog
(Heleophryne purcelli)

Purcell's ghost frog is found in the Western Cape Province in South Africa in heathlands and forests. IUCN Redlist: Least Concern
Table Mountain Ghost Frog
(Heleophryne rosei)

The Table Mountain ghost frog is found only on Table Mountain in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It has a squat body that helps it hide in rock crevices. IUCN Redlist: Critically Endangered