The Effect of Captivity upon the Reproductive Cycle of the South African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis)

Abstract

1. The South African clawed toad (Xenopus laevis) can be maintained in captivity in a healthy condition provided that it is adequately fed. 2. No atrophic changes are found to occur in the ovary as reported by Zwarenstein and Shapiro for animals kept in captivity in Cape Town. 3. The developmental condition of the ovary depends directly upon the amount of food available. 4. The normal periods of ovarian growth and retrogression which occur in the toad under natural conditions can be explained on the basis of fluctuation in food supply.