Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2430196
Phrynobatrachus minutus
Phrynobatrachus minutusAlso known as Tiny River Frog, Ethiopian Dwarf Puddle Frog
Ethiopian dwarf puddle frogs are tiny amphibians well adapted to damp grasslands, mountain streams, and high-altitude marshlands. Males establish calling sites along muddy water edges, producing faint, cricket-like calls during the wet season to attract females. Despite their diminutive size, these secretive frogs play a vital role in high-elevation ecosystems by preying on minute invertebrates.
AmphibianMiniatureEndemic

Licensed referenceDaderot / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Springtails
- Small flies
- Mites
Predators
- Water snakes
- Wading birds
- Large aquatic insects
ThreatsHabitat loss from agricultural expansion and wetland drainage
HabitatsHigh-altitude grasslands, mountain streams, marshes, puddle edges
Life span2–4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhrynobatrachidae
- SpeciesPhrynobatrachus minutus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen Carefully: Listen for faint, insect-like chirping near wet mud edges during rainy periods.
- Watch Your Step: Tread softly along marshy footpaths where these tiny frogs blend into leaf litter.
- Observe Safely: Avoid picking them up to protect their delicate skin from oils and chemicals.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

