PLAYER 1: SELECT CHARACTER — TOMATO FROG SELECTED! Round 1 of infinite rounds awaits. Enemies descend in formation. Your mission: DESTROY THEM ALL. No lives lost. No game over. Just the eternal loop of 8-bit glory!
Fascinating facts about the tomato frog
Tomato frogs (Dyscophus antongilii) produce a thick white mucus when threatened that acts like glue — sticking to a predator's mouth and causing them to drop the frog. It can cause allergic reactions in humans too.
Their bright tomato-red coloration is a form of aposematism — a warning to predators. Females are more vividly red than males. Interestingly, juveniles are more brown and develop their signature color with age.
Tomato frogs are endemic to Madagascar, found only in the northeastern parts of the island. They prefer humid lowland forests near water and are only active at night, hiding under leaf litter during the day.
Listed as Vulnerable, tomato frogs have been heavily collected for the pet trade and suffer from habitat destruction in Madagascar. They are now protected by international trade regulations.