Native to Africa, African Clawed Frogs would normally be found in stagnant pools and backwaters arising on a deep mud substrate.  Their well-developed lungs enable them to obtain almost all the necessary oxygen at the surface; however, without a constant air source they would quickly die.  They are said to be able to absorb some oxygen through their skin as well, although the water in which they are found living is more than likely oxygen deprived because of the high organic matter. African Clawed Frogs have been known to live in these burrows of mud up to 10 months.

They are not known to be toxic to any animal; however, they possess chemical defenses which give them protection against predators and disease. The mild "fishy" smell they give off repels many vertebrate predators, mainly those found outside the African Clawed Frog's native range. They also generate organic compounds labeled "magainins" that contain antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antivirul actions.  For many years they were used as laboratory animals in the studies of vertebrate embryology.  They were first used in the 1940s to diagnose pregnancy in humans.  The female frogs were injected with the human's urine and if she began laying eggs the individual was pregnant.  These frogs were inexpensive to use and easy to care for.  Now they have more modern ways of detecting pregnancies; therefore, many of these frogs have been let loose.  These frogs have proven to be quite hardy and able to adapt to several types of environments and situations.  They have been brought in and introduced into the wilds of California and Arizona, where fortunately they have thrived but unfortunately they have taken to competing against the native frogs.  Do not turn them loose.  In fact, in some states they are illegal to possess.  So take some precautions and check with your state law's before purchasing one. 

The research with these frogs still goes on today!  The African Clawed Frog (Xenopus Laevis) was the first vertebrate to be cloned successfully.  They have even traveled to space aboard the Space Shuttle several times.

In 1987, A National Institutes of Health Scientist discovered that the secretions produced from the african clawed frog's skin contains a class of antibiotic known as magainins, it protects the frog from bacteria that is found in the ponds and puddles the frog lives in. Magainins are said to possibly be used one day to treat burns and cystic fibrosis among humans.

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