Influence of temperature on reproduction and length of metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract

Research was conducted on breeding and metamorphosis of a species of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). The experimental group consisted of 10 individuals each of albino and natural forms. Specimens were divided into pairs and numbered for better tracking. In experimental ponds, conditions simulating the mating season were created, which led to 100% reproduction of all the pairs. The aim of the work was to determine the effects of temperature on the gender of resulting metamorphic specimens, and how the length of metamorphosis affects their gender. Specimens were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of specimens bred at 19°C, and the second group of specimens were bred at 24°C. Mating covered the period from 5 May to 25 June 2016. Observations were completed on 31 October 2016. Five hundred and fourteen individual metamorphic specimens were bred during the experiment. The research shows that the length of metamorphosis has an effect on gender, in favour of females. The effect of temperature on gender was not confirmed. The experimental results can be used as a basis for similar research, since this topic has not been discussed previously.