Husbandry, captive breeding, larval development and stages of the Malayan horned frog Megophrys nasuta (Schlegel, 1858) (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae)

Abstract

We report long-term experience with the successful keeping and breeding of Megophrys nasuta at the Cologne Zoo’s Amphibian Breeding Unit and compare data with other breeding reports. In addition, we document the development and morphology of different larval stages of M. nasuta. Diagnostic morphological characters are provided for Gosner (1960) larval stages 18- 22 and 25-46. Ovipositions were not seasonal and took place after a drier phase in the terrarium followed by intensive spraying to simulate the natural rain period. The larvae hatched about one week after egg deposition. The characteristic funnel-shaped oral disc became discernible about two weeks after egg deposition at Gosner stage 21 and degenerated at Gosner stage 42. The mean total developmental time observed for M. nasuta was 2.5-3.5 months. Larvae developed faster at higher temperatures and lower densities. The triangular projections at the upper eyelids, which are characteristic for advanced terrestrial stages, began to develop two or three weeks after completion of metamorphosis.