Wildlife Guide · Africa
Goliath Frog
Conraua goliath
The largest frog on Earth
Image: Photo: jeanlouisamiet / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
In brief
The Goliath frog is the largest living frog, growing up to 32 cm (13 in) long and weighing as much as 3.3 kg (7.3 lb). It lives only in fast-flowing rivers of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea in West Africa.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
The Goliath frog is the largest living frog, growing up to 32 cm (13 in) long and weighing as much as 3.3 kg (7.3 lb). It lives only in fast-flowing rivers of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea in West Africa. This powerful frog is endangered and can live around 15 years.
0.32 m
Typical length
3.3 kg
Typical weight
12 km/h
Top speed
15 yrs
Lifespan
Figures sourced from Wikipedia — Goliath Frog, Wikidata — Goliath Frog .
Goliath Frog: Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Conraua goliath |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (insects, crustaceans, small animals) |
| Habitat | Fast-flowing rainforest rivers and waterfalls |
| Lifespan | About 15 years |
| Weight | Up to 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) |
| Size | Up to 32 cm (13 in) body length |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Conrauidae |
| Genus | Conraua |
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status
- Endangered (IUCN Red List category)
- Population
- Global population not compiled for this guide
- Trend
- See the IUCN Red List assessment
- Assessed
- See the IUCN Red List assessment
- CITES
- See CITES appendices
Conservation figures are drawn from the IUCN Red List and CITES; this guide links to the authoritative sources rather than restating population counts.
Key Facts: Goliath Frog
- Despite their size, Goliath frogs are wary and quick to dive into rushing water when disturbed.
- Goliath frogs are carnivores that ambush prey near and in fast water.
- This giant frog has a small range in the rainforests of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, where it depends on clean, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls.
Behavior and strength
Despite their size, Goliath frogs are wary and quick to dive into rushing water when disturbed. They are remarkably strong and have been observed moving rocks weighing several kilograms to build small breeding pools at the river's edge. Lacking a vocal sac, they communicate with whistles and an open-mouthed call rather than a typical croak.
Diet and feeding
Goliath frogs are carnivores that ambush prey near and in fast water. Adults eat insects, crustaceans, worms, fish, and other amphibians, and large individuals can take small snakes or even baby turtles. Powerful hind legs let them lunge at prey and leap several meters.
Habitat and range
This giant frog has a small range in the rainforests of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, where it depends on clean, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls. It needs well-oxygenated water and rocky riverbanks for breeding. Its narrow habitat makes it especially vulnerable to disturbance.
Conservation
The Goliath frog is listed as Endangered, with populations falling due to habitat destruction from logging and agriculture, river pollution, and collection for food and the pet trade. Its limited range and slow reproduction make recovery difficult. Protecting intact river forest is essential to its survival.
What WARN Does
WARN does not run a dedicated goliath frog programme — this guide is part of the World Animal Rescue Network's free educational library. The goliath frog faces documented conservation pressure in the wild, which is why clear, sourced public information about it matters. Building public understanding of species like the goliath frog supports the broader conservation awareness that underpins WARN's partner-led rescue work across its network.
If clear, science-based wildlife guides like this help you understand and value animals, please consider supporting the World Animal Rescue Network's educational and rescue work so we can keep producing them.
Goliath Frog: Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Goliath frog?
Where do Goliath frogs live?
What do Goliath frogs eat?
Are Goliath frogs endangered?
Can Goliath frogs jump far?
Are goliath frogs dangerous?
How long do goliath frogs live?
Sources & References
Population figures, conservation status and biological facts on this page are drawn from authoritative scientific and intergovernmental sources.
Terms used on this page
Plain-English definitions, from our wildlife and conservation glossary.
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