Do African Bullfrogs Have Teeth and a Strong Bite? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
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African Bullfrogs are large frogs with wide mouths that, as you can probably guess, hail from Africa. African Bullfrogs can make extremely loud sounds, and they are often kept as exotic pets due to their size and rarity. But do these frogs have teeth? Do any frogs have teeth? The answer is yes, African Bullfrogs do have teeth (albeit different from human teeth), and they can use them to bite down very hard on prey. If that is surprising to you, you are not alone. Many people do not realize that frogs have teeth in the first place. Here is everything you need to know about African Bullfrog teeth including their bite and if they are dangerous to people.
African Bullfrogs at a Glance
Please note that many states and jurisdictions may have legislation that prevents capturing or owning frogs. Always make sure you have permission to legally own an exotic pet before deciding to adopt one. Capturing wild animals is not advised, as this disrupts local ecosystems. In addition, amphibians may naturally harbor Salmonella and spread it to humans and other pets. These pets are not recommended to be kept alongside children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those with a compromised immune system. Hygiene is of utmost importance when dealing with amphibians.
If you are in the US, please refer to state laws before deciding to adopt an exotic or wild pet. Elsewhere, please refer to relevant jurisdictions in your area.
| Scientific Name: | Pyxicephalus adspersus |
| Size: | 4–9 inches (females half as big as males) |
| Lifespan: | 30–40 years |
| Habitat: | Wetlands of Southern Africa |
Do African Bullfrogs Have Teeth?
Yes. African Bullfrogs do have teeth. They have three different types of teeth. African Bullfrogs have maxillaries, vomerine teeth, and odontoids. Many people don’t think of teeth when they think of frogs, but these frogs have many teeth. African Bullfrogs have teeth that line their entire mouth on both the top and the bottom. African Bullfrogs are some of the largest frogs in the world, and therefore, they have some of the largest frog teeth in the world. African Bullfrogs can live for up to 30 years in captivity and the wild, so they need strong teeth that can hold up over years of usage.
What Do African Bullfrogs Use Their Teeth For?
African Bullfrogs use their teeth to trap prey. African Bullfrogs are carnivores. They eat other small animals, such as other frogs, birds, and mice. African Bullfrogs use their large, curved teeth to grip and trap their prey inside of their mouth. Other teeth are short and flat and are used to grind up things like wings and skulls, crushing the prey so that the bullfrog can eat it at its leisure. African Bullfrogs don’t rip and chew like other animals such as dogs, cats, and humans. They primarily trap and grind.
True Teeth vs. Bony Extrusions
As mentioned, African Bullfrogs have three different types of teeth. Technically, only one of these three is considered to be a true tooth. True teeth are made up of dentin and enamel. Human teeth and dog teeth are classic examples of true teeth. Other things, such as bony extrusions without any pulp or enamel, are not considered to be true teeth, even if they are used as such. Technically, odontoids and vomerine teeth are not true teeth. They are lumps and bumps and extrusions connected to the skull and jaw of the frog.
Do African Bullfrogs Bite?
Yes. African Bullfrogs do bite. Most animals with teeth can and will bite. African Bullfrogs are no different. Many people don’t expect to be bitten by a frog, but it can happen. Most frogs have teeth that are so small or so dull that they cannot really bite humans. African Bullfrogs are large enough and have enough teeth with which they can bite humans, and it can hurt. African Bullfrogs can bite if they are startled or if they are trying to eat something out of your hand.
African Bullfrogs can bite if they feel threatened or if they do not want to be handled. Since African Bullfrogs are sometimes kept as pets, many people learn the hard way that these animals can bite when they don’t want to be picked up.
Do African Bullfrogs Have a Strong Bite?
Yes. African Bullfrogs have a strong bite. Since the teeth of the African Bullfrog are designed to trap and hold prey, they can produce a lot of force with their teeth. If you are not expecting it, an African Bullfrog can get a good bite in on your finger. Sometimes, a bullfrog will bite and trap your finger, thinking that it is a worm or other type of prey. This can be painful and even draw blood depending on the size of the frog and the angle of the bite.
Are African Bullfrogs Dangerous to Humans?
No. African Bullfrogs are not dangerous to humans. The bite of an African Bullfrog can be startling. In the worst-case scenario, the bullfrog could draw blood or even cause a bite deep enough to warrant stitches. However, most of the time, African Bullfrogs are harmless. They are not toxic, they are not poisonous, and their bites are not strong enough to cause lasting damage. That means that overall, these animals are not dangerous to humans. A painful but temporary bite is all that they can muster against an adult human.
In the worst-case scenario, the bullfrog could draw blood or even cause a bite deep enough to warrant stitches. If a frog’s bite draws blood, you should have yourself checked by your doctor.
Conclusion
African Bullfrogs have three different types of teeth that they use to capture, hold, and kill their prey. African Bullfrogs are carnivores that use their teeth to help them hunt and eat their food. If you are not careful, African Bullfrogs can bite you, which can be a nasty shock. The bite of an African Bullfrog is not dangerous, but it can be very painful and quite surprising.
Featured Image Credit: MZPHOTO.CZ, Shutterstock
