Common Name:Â Ice Frog, Large-Mouthed Frog, Maluti River Frog
Scientific Name:Â Amietia vertebralis
Family:Â Pyxicephalidae
Location:Â Lesotho and South Africa
Size:Â 6 inches (150 mm)
The Ice Frog lives high in the mountains from 1500 and 3300 meters high in southern Africa. The Ice Frog gets its name because the tadpoles and adults are often seen swimming beneath the ice. They are mostly aquatic species spending their life mostly in the water.
The breeding season is during the warmer months, from September to February. The male frogs call from under the water or just with their heads out. Once the female frog arrives, the male frog grasps her from behind in amplexus. Then, the female frog lays her eggs and the male frog fertilizes them.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Ice Frog as Least Concern for Extinction. The frog has a decent range and are thought to be abundant throughout it.