The Coastal Tailed Frog is one of the most unique frogs in North America — and not just because of its “tail.” It’s part of one of the oldest frog families in the world and lives where most frogs don’t: in cold, fast-flowing mountain streams. Unlike most frogs, it doesn’t call to attract a mate and it even lacks external ears. This frog is adapted for life underwater and out of sight, so spotting one in the wild is a real treat for nature lovers.
Size & Physical Appearance
Coastal Tailed Frogs are small and subtle in appearance. Adults typically measure between 1.5 to 2 inches long. They’re brown, gray, or olive in color, helping them blend in perfectly with streambed rocks and damp forest floors. Some may have dark mottling or faint lines on their back or legs.
Their most unusual feature is in the males — the “tail.” It’s not actually a tail but an extended cloaca (used to transfer sperm internally), which is incredibly rare among frogs. This adaptation helps reproduction in swift currents where laying eggs externally would be risky.
Juveniles look similar to adults but without the developed “tail” in males. Tadpoles are equipped with a large sucker-like mouth used to anchor themselves to rocks in fast-moving streams.
Habitat and Range
Coastal Tailed Frogs are true stream specialists. They live in clear, cold, fast-flowing creeks in moist, forested mountain areas.
You’ll find them along the Pacific Northwest, mainly from northern California through Oregon and Washington and into southern British Columbia. They prefer mature conifer forests at elevations from sea level up to about 6,000 feet, often in remote and rugged terrain.
They spend most of their lives close to or in water, especially during breeding season.
Diet
Adult Coastal Tailed Frogs feed on small invertebrates they find in and around streams — things like tiny insects, worms, and other aquatic critters. They often hunt at night, taking advantage of their camouflage and stealth.
Tadpoles scrape algae and organic debris from rocks using their specialized mouthparts. It’s a tough job in fast-flowing water, but they are built for it.
Lifespan
In the wild, Coastal Tailed Frogs can live up to 8 to 10 years, which is a long time for a frog. Their streamside lifestyle and slow development help them live a relatively long life. In captivity, lifespans may be similar, but these frogs are rarely kept in captivity due to their specific habitat needs.
Identification Tips
Here’s how to tell a Coastal Tailed Frog apart from others:
- No external eardrums (tympanum) – This is one of the only frogs in North America without visible eardrums.
- Warty skin – Their skin is rough and bumpy, unlike smooth-skinned frogs like Pacific Treefrogs.
- Vertical pupils – Most frogs have horizontal pupils; these have vertical slits like a cat’s eye.
- The “tail” on males – Only males have the tail-like extension, which is actually part of their cloaca for internal fertilization.
They are often confused with juvenile frogs of other species, but their habitat in clear, cold streams and their unique features help tell them apart. If you see a frog clinging to a rock in a mountain stream — and it has vertical pupils and no visible eardrum — it’s likely a Coastal Tailed Frog.
Fun Fact
Coastal Tailed Frogs don’t croak. In fact, they’re silent. They don’t have vocal cords or external ears. Since they live near roaring streams where sound wouldn’t carry well, they rely on body language and direct contact during courtship instead. They’re more about quiet adaptation than noisy calls.
This ancient species is truly a frog built for the currents and calm of mountain life. If you’re hiking near a Pacific Northwest stream and see what looks like a tiny toad gripping a stone underwater — you might just have met a Coastal Tailed Frog.