The
African clawed frog (
Xenopus laevis, also known as the
xenopus,
African clawed toad,
African claw-toed frog or the
platanna) is a species of African
aquatic frog of the
Pipidae family. Its name is derived from the three short
claws on each hind foot, which it uses to tear apart its food. The word
Xenopus means "strange foot" and
laevis means "smooth".