The Most Popular Amphibian, Ranked

Choose the amphibian you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:28
Amphibians are a varied and fascinating group of animals that capture our curiosity with their unique life cycles and adaptations to diverse habitats. By ranking these creatures, we gain insights into public interest and awareness, which can further aid in conservation efforts and educational outreach. Establishing what amphibians are most favored can highlight the need for specific environmental policies and encourage further scientific research. This interactive ranking system allows enthusiasts and the general public to vote on their preferred amphibians, contributing to a dynamic and current list that adjusts in real-time based on global participation. Each vote helps to shape a clearer picture of trends in amphibian popularity and awareness. We invite you to participate and share your preferences, adding your voice to a collective effort that may influence conservation priorities and focus.

What Is the Most Popular Amphibian?

  1. 1
    80
    votes
    The American Bullfrog is the most popular amphibian due to its widespread presence in North America and its large size, which makes it an attractive species for those interested in amphibians.
  2. 2
    18
    votes
    The Red-eyed Tree Frog is popular due to its bright colors and unique appearance, making it a favorite among amphibian enthusiasts.
    The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is a colorful and distinctive amphibian species found in the tropical rainforests of Central America. Its vibrant colors and large red eyes make it easily recognizable and one of the most popular amphibians in the world.
    • Scientific Name: Agalychnis callidryas
    • Family: Hylidae
    • Native Habitat: Central American rainforests
    • Size: Around 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm)
    • Coloration: Bright green body, blue and yellow sides, orange feet, and red eyes
    Red-eyed Tree Frog - Agalychnis callidryas in other rankings
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    The African Clawed Frog is popular as a pet due to its hardiness and ease of care.
    The African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) is a species of aquatic frog native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its distinct claws on its front and hind feet.
    • Scientific Name: Xenopus laevis
    • Family: Pipidae
    • Size: 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 in)
    • Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and other freshwater bodies
    • Lifespan: 10-15 years (in the wild)
  4. 4
    24
    votes
    The Fire-bellied Toad is popular due to its bright colors and active behavior, making it an attractive species for those interested in amphibians.
    The Fire-bellied Toad, also known as Bombina orientalis, is a popular amphibian species. It is named after its vibrant bright red or orange-colored belly, which acts as a warning to predators. This toad is native to the Korean Peninsula, northeastern China, and adjacent areas. It is characterized by its small size, distinct coloration, and unique behaviors.
    • Size: Adults reach an average length of 4-6 centimeters.
    • Coloration: The upper side of the Fire-bellied Toad is typically green or brown, while the ventral side is brightly colored in shades of red or orange with black markings.
    • Toxicity: The bright belly coloration serves as an aposematic signal, warning predators of the toad's toxicity. It secretes toxins from its skin glands, which can cause irritation or be toxic if ingested.
    • Habitat: Fire-bellied Toads are semi-aquatic and are commonly found near shallow water sources such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams.
    • Diet: They are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates like insects, spiders, worms, and other small arthropods.
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    The Poison Dart Frog is popular due to its bright colors and unique appearance, making it a favorite among amphibian enthusiasts.
    The Poison Dart Frog, scientifically known as Dendrobatidae, is one of the most popular amphibians among enthusiasts and researchers. These small, brightly colored frogs are found in Central and South America, primarily in tropical rainforests. The name 'Poison Dart Frog' comes from the indigenous people's practice of using their toxic secretions to poison the tips of blow darts for hunting.
    • Size: 0.5 to 2.5 inches (1.3 to 6.4 cm)
    • Weight: Less than 1 ounce (28 grams)
    • Lifespan: Up to 15 years in captivity
    • Coloration: Bright and vibrant, ranging from red, blue, yellow, green, or black with various patterns
    • Diet: Insects, small invertebrates, and sometimes even small vertebrates
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    The Green Tree Frog is popular due to its bright green color and its loud, distinctive call.
    The Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea) is a small to medium-sized amphibian known for its bright green coloration. It is found in the southeastern United States, particularly in the states of Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. This frog has become popular due to its attractive appearance and its loud and distinctive calls during mating season. It is commonly kept as a pet due to its ease of care and adaptability to different environments.
    • Scientific Name: Hyla cinerea
    • Size: 2.5 to 4 inches (6 to 10 cm)
    • Color: Bright green with white underside
    • Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, swamps, and forests
    • Diet: Insects, spiders, small invertebrates
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    The Eastern Newt is popular as a pet due to its unique appearance and ease of care.
    The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a species of salamander found in eastern North America. It is known for its distinct life cycle, going through three different stages - the aquatic larva, the terrestrial juvenile, and the aquatic adult. The larval stage has external gills and a finned tail, while the adult stage has lungs and webbed hind feet.
    • Scientific Name: Notophthalmus viridescens
    • Family: Salamandridae
    • Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water bodies
    • Size: Adults grow up to 2-5 inches in length
    • Coloration: The aquatic larva is brown or greenish-brown, the terrestrial eft is bright orange or red, and the adult is olive-green or brown
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Axolotl - Ambystoma mexicanum
    Monika Korzeniec · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Axolotl is popular due to its unique appearance and its ability to regenerate its limbs.
    The Axolotl, scientifically known as Ambystoma mexicanum, is a popular amphibian that belongs to the family Ambystomatidae. It is also commonly referred to as the Mexican Walking Fish. This unique creature boasts a distinctive appearance and a remarkable ability to regenerate its body parts, making it a fascinating subject of study and an iconic figure in the world of amphibians.
    • Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length
    • Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
    • Habitat: Originally found in the lakes and canals of Mexico City, primarily in Xochimilco
    • Diet: Primarily carnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and worms
    • Gills: Axolotls retain their external gills throughout their entire life, enabling them to breathe underwater
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Tiger Salamander - Ambystoma tigrinum
    Carla Isabel Ribeiro · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Tiger Salamander is popular as a pet due to its unique appearance and its hardiness.
    The Tiger Salamander, scientifically known as Ambystoma tigrinum, is a widespread and popular amphibian species. It has a distinct appearance with a stocky body, smooth skin, and bold black and yellow patterns on its body, resembling the stripes of a tiger. It is one of the largest salamanders found in North America and can grow up to 13 inches (33 cm) in length.
    • Scientific Name: Ambystoma tigrinum
    • Family: Ambystomatidae
    • Habitat: Various habitats including forests, meadows, and ponds
    • Range: North America
    • Size: Up to 13 inches (33 cm) in length
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    The Gray Tree Frog is popular due to its unique appearance and its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings.
    The Gray Tree Frog, scientifically known as Hyla versicolor, is a small-sized amphibian species belonging to the family Hylidae. It is widely recognized for its remarkable ability to change color, ranging from gray to green, depending on its surroundings. This species is native to the eastern parts of North America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, swamps, and wetlands.
    • Average Size: 2 - 2.5 inches (5 - 6.4 cm)
    • Coloration: Variable (gray, green, or brown)
    • Skin Texture: Rough and warty
    • Toes: Adhesive toe pads for climbing
    • Eyes: Large, golden-colored with vertical pupils
    Gray Tree Frog - Hyla versicolor in other rankings

Missing your favorite amphibian?

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Ranking factors for popular amphibian

  1. Public recognition
    How well-known an amphibian is to the general public through various forms of media and their appearances in popular culture (e.g. mascots, cartoon characters, or educational materials).
  2. Aesthetic appeal
    The visual attractiveness or unique appearance of an amphibian, which captures public interest and elicits fascination or curiosity.
  3. Distribution and habitat
    The prevalence and range of the species across various geographical locations can impact their popularity. Wider distribution and a variety of habitats increase the likelihood of the species being encountered and studied.
  4. Conservation status
    Public interest and concern for species that are endangered or threatened can increase their popularity as people rally for their conservation and preservation.
  5. Behavioral and ecological characteristics
    Unique or interesting behaviors, metamorphosis, reproductive strategies, and roles in the ecosystem can be factors that attract public attention and curiosity.
  6. Scientific significance
    The contribution of a particular amphibian species to scientific research, either as a model species or through unique biological or physiological traits, can increase its popularity.
  7. Educational value
    The ease of accessibility to, and availability of accurate information about the species, as well as its use in educational programs, can elevate its popularity.
  8. Cultural significance
    Historical, cultural, and symbolic roles that certain amphibian species may have played in a region's folklore, legends, or mythology can also enhance their popularity and intrigue.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular amphibian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Amphibian is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1771 views
  • 204 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Amphibian once every 24 hours. The rank of each Amphibian is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular amphibian

Amphibians are a fascinating group of animals that have been around for over 370 million years. They are cold-blooded vertebrates that live both in water and on land. There are over 7,000 species of amphibians in the world, with new ones being discovered every year. Some of the most common amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. These creatures play an important role in our ecosystem as they are both predators and prey. They are also considered to be bioindicators of environmental health, as they are sensitive to changes in their habitats. With such a diverse range of species, it's no wonder that amphibians have captured the interest of people all around the world. So, what is the most popular amphibian? Let's take a look at the results of our StrawPoll and find out!

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