Topic Introduction

Housing and Feeding of Xenopus laevis

Adapted from "Introduction," Chapter 1, in Early Development of Xenopus laevis, by Hazel L. Sive, Robert M. Grainger, and Richard M. Harland. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA, 2000.

INTRODUCTION

Good animal husbandry is vital for maintaining a healthy frog population. This requires some effort but is generally rewarded by high-quality egg and embryo production. A healthy frog is placid, with moderately slimy skin and a nice pear shape. Jumpy frogs, frogs with dry or excessively slimy skin, bloated frogs, and frogs that look gray and thin or reddish are not healthy and should not be used for egg collection, as this would lead to further deterioration of the animals’ condition, and the resulting eggs would be generally unsuitable for experimental purposes. This article describes proper husbandry techniques for Xenopus laevis in the laboratory.