African Bullfrog: Species Profile
Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information
African bullfrogs, also known as pixie or pyxie frogs, are one of the largest frog species. They are native to Africa but found in homes around the world. They're primarily an olive green color with a lighter belly and orange around the limbs. African bullfrogs have earned a reputation for being ornery, so if you want a pet you can handle and play with, this probably isn't the option for you. However, they are entertaining to watch and good for people new to keeping frogs, as their care is relatively easy.
Learn all about what it takes to care for an African bullfrog.
Breed Overview
Common Names: African bullfrog, pixie frog, pyxie frog
Scientific Name: Pyxicephalus adspersus
Adult Size: Males are 10 inches long and 4 pounds or more; females are 6 inches long and around 2 pounds
Life Span: 20 years in the wild; up to 40 years in captivity
African Bullfrog Behavior and Temperament
African bullfrogs are only moderately active, but they can be fun to watch in their tanks. Overall, they’re generally easygoing, low-maintenance animals. Expect to feed them roughly every other day and clean their tank once or twice a week.
Males shouldn’t be housed together, as they can be aggressive and territorial. Male bullfrogs also will guard their tadpoles and protect them to help them survive. However, they will sometimes eat their tadpoles.
Some African bullfrogs will tolerate a bit of handling for short periods. But you must use caution when holding them to protect their delicate skin. Plus, they can easily use their powerful legs to spring out of your hands and potentially injure themselves.
Moreover, these frogs have sharp teeth (they’re one of the only frog species who have teeth), and have been known to bite humans who are handling them. They'll typically croak loudly to let you know when they're feeling stressed. But if you respect their boundaries, you should have a laid-back pet.
Housing the African Bullfrog
Pet frogs are fairly simple to care for, but you must ensure that your habitat is set up correctly. The larger your frog, the larger your tank needs to be. A medium-size African bullfrog should have at least a 10-gallon tank; bigger is better. In most species, male frogs are smaller than females, but male African bullfrogs are larger than females. Also, these frogs should live alone because of their tendency for cannibalism.
You can use small, smooth rocks for the bottom of the tank. Fill it about a third of the way with dechlorinated water, and then use progressively larger stones to build up one side of the tank to create a beach. This will give your frog something to easily climb onto, and will allow them some time out of the water when they want to dry off.
A container of dirt can also be provided in the event your bullfrog wants to burrow. In the wild, African bullfrogs burrow their entire bodies into the dirt and hibernate for up to two years to escape the dry season. In captivity, though, we can control the temperature and humidity that our frogs live in, making it unnecessary for them to hibernate.
Tank cleanings should occur one to two times per week, or more often, to keep the water fresh.
Heat
A room that doesn't drop below 75 F should be appropriate for your bullfrog. If you find the frog isn't very active or isn't eating much, try increasing the temperature.
Simple water heaters designed for fish tanks and heat lights made for reptiles can be utilized to create an ideal environment for your African bullfrog.
Light
African bullfrogs require a cycle of around 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day. Keep them out of direct sunlight. A UVB light isn’t essential, but it’s often recommended to promote nutrient absorption.
Humidity
Humidity is very important when caring for amphibians due to the nature of their skin. Bullfrogs require a damp tank and plenty of water to swim in.
The humidity level should be around 80% to 90%, which you can monitor using a hygrometer. If you need to raise the tank's humidity level, mist the inside with clean water a few times a day.
Substrate
Substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your bullfrog’s enclosure. It helps to maintain humidity in the environment, and it can make the tank feel more like the animal's natural environment.
Coco fiber, made from coconut husks, is a good option for substrate. Peat moss is another option. The ideal is an organic product that retains some heat and moisture.
Avoid using any soil that has been treated with insecticides or other chemicals. Be sure it's clean, and change it frequently.
African bullfrogs are known to eat the substrate in their cages, so any material lining the enclosure should be easily digestible and safe for them.
Food and Water
These large frogs are quite the carnivores. They eat essentially whatever they can fit in their mouths, such as insects, other frogs, and small rodents or birds.
A healthy bullfrog diet consists of foods like:
Gut-loaded crickets (crickets fed nutritious foods that pass to your pet)
Worms, such as mealworms, earthworms, nightcrawlers, and waxworms
Insects like spiders and roaches
Feeder fish like guppies
There are also foods to avoid feeding your African bullfrog, such as:
Grocery store meat like chicken and beef (this muscle meat does not provide bullfrogs the same nutrition that whole-prey items offer)
Small rodents, such as mice and baby rats called fuzzies, should be given only as treats
Young bullfrogs generally eat daily or every other day, and adults have meals two to three times per week. Place the food in a shallow dish or on a flat rock. Consult your veterinarian for how much to feed at each meal based on your frog’s age and size.
It’s best to change what’s on the menu at each feeding for a varied diet that mimics what they would get in the wild. Also, avoid overfeeding these voracious eaters.
Finally, you may offer a shallow water dish in addition to the tank water if you wish.
Common Health and Behavior Problems
Although African bullfrogs live for many years, they don't need much in the way of health care. Nevertheless, they can be susceptible to the following:
Bacterial and fungal infections: If the environment is warm and damp enough, your frog shouldn't have any skin issues. However, bacterial and fungal infections of the skin and eyes are common in pets that live in less-than-ideal conditions.
Intestinal parasites: If your tank temperatures are warm enough and your frog still isn't eating well, bring your frog to an experienced exotics veterinarian to rule out parasitism. A yearly fecal sample should also be checked.
Ammonia poisoning: This occurs when the frog is left in an enclosure with too much waste. Symptoms include lethargy, uncoordinated movements, and cloudy eyes. Death can occur within a few days. Clean the tank as soon as possible, and call your vet.
Choosing Your African Bullfrog
Acquire your African bullfrog from a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Look for reptile and amphibian groups online or consult your local pet shop for recommendations. Expect to pay around $25 to $75.
A healthy African bullfrog will have the typical olive green skin without any abnormal bumps or lesions, as well as clear eyes. Cloudy eyes can indicate disease.
Males grow to be much larger than females, so if you prefer a smaller frog, you might want to choose a female. But don't expect a petite, docile pet; the females are just as voracious and sensitive to being handled as the males.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my African bullfrog bad at hunting?
Because African bullfrogs are so large and heavy, they're not always fast movers. This makes hunting a challenge.
How much do African bullfrogs cost?
Depending on availability and your location, African bullfrogs cost anywhere from $25 to $75.
How do you tell a male African bullfrog from a female?
Males generally have a yellow or orange-hued throat; females have a cream-colored throat.
Are African bullfrogs venomous?
No, African bullfrogs are not venomous. But they can bite if they feel threatened.
Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.