Captive management, reproduction, and comparative larval development of Klappenbach’s Red-bellied Frog

In this study, we report on the successful keeping, breeding, and rearing of Klappenbach’s Redbellied Frog, Melanophryniscus klappenbachi Prigioni and Langone, 2000. Breeding and spawning took place after a relatively dry period without using a brumation period. To initiate mating behavior the toads were introduced into a rain chamber with a raised water level and constant irrigation in accordance with the toad’s natural habitat and heavy rainfalls. The fast developing tadpoles started metamorphosis after 19 days at a constant water temperature of 23 °C and pH values between 6.5 and 7.9. A higher pH value led to slightly faster growth irrespective if tadpoles were reared singly or in groups.