Pipidae

amphibian family

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June 17, 2026

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Pipidae is a family of tongueless, aquatic frogs native to sub-Saharan Africa and tropical America. These frogs, also known as pipids, are characterized by their flat bodies and small claws on their hind limbs. They are primitive species with a simple egg-laying strategy, scattering eggs individually over submerged vegetation.12

Pipids are primarily insectivores, using their forelimbs to guide food to their mouths. Some larger species, however, consume vertebrates like small mammals, birds, snakes, and even other frogs. The African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) is a notable species within this family, historically used in pregnancy tests and still valuable in research.234

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frog and toad
Annotated classification
Family Pipidae (tongueless frogs) Cretaceous (145.5 million–65.5 million years ago) to present; 6 to 8 presacral vertebrae; ribs present and free in larvae, but fused to transverse processes of vertebrae in adults; coccyx fused to sacrum or free and monocondylar (i.e., with 1 articulation); tongue absent;…
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Family Pipidae (tongueless frogs) Cretaceous (145.5 million–65.5 million years ago) to present; 6 to 8 presacral vertebrae; ribs present and free in larvae, but fused to transverse processes of vertebrae in adults; coccyx fused to sacrum or free and monocondylar (i.e., with 1 articulation); tongue absent;…
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frog and toad
Size range and diversity of structure
…seen in the aquatic family Pipidae. Members of that family normally never leave the water. In regions of the Earth subjected to long dry periods, frogs must seek cover to avoid desiccation; they have behavioral and structural adaptations to conserve water.
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…seen in the aquatic family Pipidae. Members of that family normally never leave the water. In regions of the Earth subjected to long dry periods, frogs must seek cover to avoid desiccation; they have behavioral and structural adaptations to conserve water.
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amphibian
Anurans
The pipids, specialized for their aquatic environment, have little flexibility in their axial skeletons and instead propel their flat, fused bodies through the water with powerful hind limbs and large, fully webbed feet.
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The pipids, specialized for their aquatic environment, have little flexibility in their axial skeletons and instead propel their flat, fused bodies through the water with powerful hind limbs and large, fully webbed feet.
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