ANN/THE JAPAN NEWS – Three East Japan tree frogs with unusual colour mutations have been placed on display at Nakagawa Aquatic Park in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture.

The three frogs, including two blue specimens and one yellow, were found at separate locations in Tochigi. The blue frogs were discovered in Nasushiobara last September and Yaita in July, while the yellow frog was found in Haga in July.

Measuring around two centimetres in length, the frogs are being kept in a special tank at the prefectural facility alongside two East Japan tree frogs with the species’ typical green colouring.

The east Japan tree frog’s skin contains yellow and black pigments and can produce iridescence. The frogs adjust the intensity of these three things to match their environment, according to the park. It is believed that, for some reason, the black pigment did not function normally in the yellow frog, and the same thing happened to the yellow pigment in the blue frogs.

“We may be able to find a blue tree frog in the prefecture once a year or so,” said a park official in charge of the exhibition.

“A yellow one is even rarer. Since it’s a unique opportunity to see these, we’re hoping that many people will come see the frogs.”

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin