Natural Mating and Tadpole Husbandry in the Western Clawed Frog Xenopus tropicalis

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe routine generation and successful husbandry of tadpoles is essential for investigators using the Western clawed frog Xenopus tropicalis for developmental and genetic studies. We describe a method to induce natural mating by injecting a hormone into sexually mature X. tropicalis, and to raise the offspring through the embryonic, tadpole, and metamorphosis stages. X. tropicalis develop at a faster rate than Xenopus laevis, reaching metamorphosis in as little as 4 wk. Moreover, natural mating produces large numbers of offspring and is therefore particularly useful for mutation screening and genetic mapping. The method includes a technique for the anesthesia of frogs, which makes them easier to handle during injection of the hormone, reducing the likelihood of injury to the animals.