# Coastal Tailed Frog (*Ascaphus truei*) The Coastal Tailed Frog is a special little frog that lives near cool, clean streams. It has a unique tail that helps it swim and cling to rocks in the water. These frogs love to hide under leaves and stones! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Coastal Tailed Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ascaphus_truei_web.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mokele, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ascaphus_truei_web.jpg) ## Appearance The Coastal Tailed Frog is a small, flat-bodied amphibian, typically brown, gray, or olive with darker mottling, helping it blend into stream beds. Its skin is rough and warty, and males possess a distinctive, tail-like cloacal extension, setting it apart from other frogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ascaphidae - **Genus:** Ascaphus ## Interesting facts - Tadpoles can take up to four years to become a frog. Wow! - They are among the most ancient frog species on Earth! - They use their strong front legs to flip over stones to find food! - Unlike almost all other frogs, they never make a croaking sound. ## Special abilities - **Tail-End Reproduction:** Coastal Tailed Frogs have a unique 'tail' for internal fertilization, preventing sperm washout in their fast-flowing stream homes. - **Rock Climber Tadpole:** Young tadpoles have a huge, suction-cup mouth that helps them cling tightly to slippery rocks in rushing water. - **Silent Survivor:** They lack vocal cords and ear drums, communicating subtly while enduring the noise of powerful aquatic habitats. - **Cold Water Endurance:** These frogs possess a low metabolic rate, allowing them to thrive and develop slowly in very cold mountain streams. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2.5-5 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.015 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Speed:** 0 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 30-80 - **Metamorphosis:** 365-1460 days ## Diet & Feeding They munch on small bugs and other tiny creatures they find in and around their chilly stream homes. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles graze on algae and diatoms from rocks, while adults hunt insects and other small invertebrates. - **Primary Foods:** Spiders, Beetles, Flies, Springtails, Mites - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — Snakes hunt them near streams. - **Eaten by:** [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) — Fish prey on their tadpoles. - **Eaten by:** [American Bullfrog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-bullfrog) (*Rana catesbeiana*) — Invasive bullfrogs eat them. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch frogs, as they can be delicate and need their homes to stay safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Coastal Tailed Frog? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Coastal Tailed Frog? 2.5-5 cm ### How much does Coastal Tailed Frog weigh? 0.005-0.015 kg ### How long does Coastal Tailed Frog live? 10-20 years ### How fast can Coastal Tailed Frog move? 0 km/h ### What does Coastal Tailed Frog eat? They munch on small bugs and other tiny creatures they find in and around their chilly stream homes. ### Where is Coastal Tailed Frog usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Coastal Tailed Frog hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Sx̱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sx-tsaqel-chilliwack-lake-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Coquihalla River Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/coquihalla-river-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Coastal Tailed Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coastal-tailed-frog)