Best beginner frog species

[ipreferaflan]

This is a list of the most readily available frogs that are suitable for a beginner (click on the name of the frog to view a picture):

Aquatic

Aquatic species of frog can be kept in fish-tanks. Some species require filters, whereas others may do just as well with regular water changes.

Recommended beginner species:
African Clawed Frog (Xenopus species)

Semi-aquatic

Semi-aquatic species may require a 50/50 land/water set-up, a largely aquatic set-up or a set-up with a prominent land area. This is achievable with glass terrariums or fish-tanks. Water may need to be heated and filtered depending on species.

Recommended beginner species:
Fire-Bellied Toad (Bombina species)

Arboreal (Tree Frogs)

Tree Frogs usually require a tall habitat. The Exo-Terra glass terrariums (and similar products by other companies) are perfect for many species. On the whole they tend to be poor swimmers and should be provided with a water dish as opposed to a deep water area.

Recommended beginner species:
White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)
American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)
American Grey/Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)
Peacock/Big-eyed Tree Frog (Leptopelis vermiculatus)
Vietnamese Blue Tree Frog (Rhacophorus dennysi)
European Green Tree Frog (Hyla arborea)
White-Lipped Tree Frog (Litoria infrafrenata)
Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)
African Reed Frog (Afrixalus, Heterixalus, and Hyperolius species)
Japanese Tree Frog (Hyla japonica)

Terrestrial (Ground Frogs)

Ground dwelling frogs require long (as opposed to tall) habitats, and a water dish. Many species, such as Pacmans, are generally inactive and don’t require all too much room despite their large size. Fish-tanks can be used as can glass terrariums, with the latter usually having more ventilation.

Recommended beginner species:
Horned/Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys species)
Cane Toad (Bufo marinus)
European Green Toad (Bufo viridis or Pseudepidalea viridis)


Although this list provides a small amount of information on how to care for the different types of frog available, it is strongly recommended that you thoroughly research the particular species you are interested in and make sure you have got your habitat set-up before you purchase any frog.

Some good sites for care info:
RFUK Amphibian care sheet section
amphibiancare.com
allaboutfrogs.org
the-livingrainforest.co.uk
Or even Google or Youtube the species you are interested in.


Photos courtesy of Morgan Freeman, TIMOTHY AND MATILDA, mrblue2008, Spikebrit, jennlovesfrogs, HABU, dad’n’bab, richie.b, rigsby, titwillow, salad dodger, *o* and manda88.

[jme2049]

Good work Harvey! will this be a sticky?

[ipreferaflan]

Originally Posted by jme2049

Good work Harvey! will this be a sticky?

I'm not sure. I PM'd Saedcantas asking her to take a peek!

[jadeladine]

Asian flying tree frogs maybe to add to the list

Very useful though x

[ipreferaflan]

As it is at the moment; it's not sticky-worthy.
I'll just work on it some more. If anyone can give me any suggestions and help I would be really grateful.

Jadeladine: I will include them. Thank you.

[Morgan Freeman]

Yoos need care sheets boy.

Gimme until tomorrow and I'll a Peacock done.

[Rhi01]

Why isn't it sticky worthy?

[ipreferaflan]

Originally Posted by Morgan Freeman

Yoos need care sheets boy.

Gimme until tomorrow and I'll a Peacock done.

Maybe if every one linked to a caresheet written by someone on here who has experience with the frog in question then it would be more informative.
I don't really want to make it REAAAALLY long or people won't bother reading it.
S'gotta look inviting.

[Rhi01]

Does it have to be a caresheet from here?

[ipreferaflan]

Originally Posted by Rhi01

Why isn't it sticky worthy?

The summary of each group is too simplistic and people's choice of first frog would be more likely to be determined by what they have available locally as opposed to what is written in this thread.
Saedcantas was nice about it though and said I should work on it more.
I ain't giving up; it's a question that's asked all the time.