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Titicaca Water Frog

The Titicaca water frog (*Telmatobius culeus*) is a fully aquatic frog native to the Lake Titicaca basin in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Titicaca water frog (*Telmatobius culeus*) is a fully aquatic frog native to the Lake Titicaca basin in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It is one of the largest aquatic frogs in the world and is listed as Critically Endangered. The species spends its entire life in freshwater and is adapted to low-oxygen, high-altitude conditions.

Taxonomy

The Titicaca water frog is scientifically named *Telmatobius culeus* and belongs to the family Telmatobiidae. The species was described by Garman in 1876.

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to the Lake Titicaca basin, including the lake itself, tributary rivers, and some connected smaller lakes. Its range is limited to high-altitude freshwater habitats shared by Peru and Bolivia.

Biology and behaviour

This frog is entirely aquatic and remains underwater for almost its whole life. Its folded skin helps it obtain oxygen from water in the cold, oxygen-poor conditions of Lake Titicaca.

Conservation

Available sources describe the species as Critically Endangered and in decline. Threats mentioned in the results include pollution, habitat change, fishing, invasive species, and other human pressures.

Key facts

  • It is endemic to the Lake Titicaca basin in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia.
  • It is fully aquatic and rarely, if ever, found on land.
  • It is one of the largest aquatic frogs, with lengths reported up to about 20 cm or more.
  • It is assessed as Critically Endangered by conservation sources.
  • Its large, folded skin increases surface area for oxygen absorption in low-oxygen water.
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Canadian context

The Titicaca water frog is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through zoo-based conservation education, amphibian biodiversity studies, and international endangered-species awareness.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Titicaca water frog?
It is a fully aquatic frog species, *Telmatobius culeus*, native to the Lake Titicaca basin in Peru and Bolivia.
Where does it live?
It lives only in the Lake Titicaca basin, including the lake, nearby rivers, and some connected lakes.
How big is it?
Sources describe it as one of the world’s largest aquatic frogs, with lengths reported up to about 20 cm or more.
Is it endangered?
Yes. The species is listed as Critically Endangered in the conservation sources provided.
How does it breathe underwater?
It relies heavily on gas exchange through its large, folded skin, which helps it absorb oxygen from the water.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telmatobius_culeus
    Supports: Scientific name, family, aquatic lifestyle, endemic range, and general description.
  2. Zoo Berlin — https://www.zoo-berlin.de/en/species-conservation/worldwide/titicaca-water-frog
    Supports: Size and critically endangered conservation status.
  3. Animal Diversity Web — https://www.animaldiversity.org/accounts/Telmatobius_culeus/
    Supports: Endemic distribution and freshwater aquatic habitat.
  4. Amphibian Ark — https://www.amphibianark.org/es/telmatobius-culeus/
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, conservation status, and endemic distribution.
  5. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — https://www.cincinnatizoo.org/animals-archive/titicaca-water-frog/
    Supports: Aquatic adaptations and oxygen absorption through skin.