The 10 Best Pet Frogs For Beginners

Frogs have long captured the fascination of both children and adults alike with their vibrant colors, unique behaviors, and captivating presence. As pets, frogs offer a low-maintenance yet rewarding experience for beginners in the world of amphibian keeping. However, not all frogs are suitable for beginners, as some require specialized care or may have specific needs that can be challenging to meet for novice enthusiasts.

In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 best pet frogs for beginners, considering factors such as ease of care, hardiness, availability, and suitability for captive environments. Whether you're looking for a small tree-dwelling species or a ground-dwelling frog with an insatiable appetite, there's a perfect frog out there for you to welcome into your home.

• 1. African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)
• 2. White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)
• 3. Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)
• 4. Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)
• 5. Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)
• 6. Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)
• 7. American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)
• 8. Tomato Frog (Dyscophus spp.)
• 9. Oriental Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)
• 10. Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)

1. African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)

The African Clawed Frog, also known as the African Clawed Toad, is an excellent choice for beginner frog owners. Known for their hardiness and adaptability, African Clawed Frogs can tolerate a range of tank conditions, making them relatively low-maintenance pets.

Habitat: These fully aquatic frogs require a spacious tank with clean, dechlorinated water. Providing simple hiding spots like rocks or aquatic plants is recommended.

Feeding: African Clawed Frogs are carnivorous and accept a variety of commercial pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small aquatic invertebrates.

Lifespan: With proper care, African Clawed Frogs can live up to 15 years.

2. White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

White's Tree Frog, commonly known as the Australian Green Tree Frog, is another popular pet choice for beginners. With their calm demeanor and striking appearance, these frogs are interactive and engaging, yet require minimal maintenance.

Habitat: White's Tree Frogs are arboreal and thrive in well-ventilated terrariums with plenty of climbing opportunities. Providing hiding spots and a shallow water dish is essential.

Feeding: They are voracious eaters and readily consume a variety of live prey, such as crickets, mealworms, and even pinkie mice.

Lifespan: With proper care, White's Tree Frogs can live up to 20 years.

3. Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)

The Pacman Frog, also known as the Horned Frog, is an ideal pet for beginners due to its low maintenance and entertaining nature. With its unique appearance and relatively simple care requirements, Pacman Frogs have gained popularity among frog enthusiasts.

Habitat: These terrestrial frogs require a spacious tank with a layer of moist substrate, such as coconut fiber or moss, for burrowing. Providing hiding spots and a shallow water dish is recommended.

Feeding: Pacman Frogs are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of live prey, including crickets, worms, insects, and even small rodents.

Lifespan: With proper care, Pacman Frogs can live up to 10 years or more.

4. Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)

Fire-bellied Toads are charming and active frogs that make great pets for beginners. Known for their bright colors and playful behaviors, these amphibians are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in various environments.

Habitat: Fire-bellied Toads require a semi-aquatic habitat with a combination of land and water areas. A setup with a shallow swimming area and a planted land section is ideal.

Feeding: Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as crickets, fruit flies, and small worms.

Lifespan: With proper care, Fire-bellied Toads can live up to 15 years.

5. Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)

The Gray Tree Frog is a small and docile frog that is well-suited for beginners. These frogs are known for their camouflage abilities and charming calls, which can add an enjoyable ambience to your living space.

Habitat: Gray Tree Frogs require a medium-sized habitat with both land and water areas. Providing plenty of hiding spots and a water dish is crucial.

Feeding: Their diet primarily consists of small insects, such as crickets, fruit flies, and ants.

Lifespan: With proper care, Gray Tree Frogs can live up to 10-15 years.

6. Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)

Green Tree Frogs are popular pets for beginners due to their ease of care, charming appearance, and peaceful demeanor. With proper habitat setup and care, these frogs can thrive in captivity.

Habitat: Green Tree Frogs require a well-ventilated terrarium with plenty of climbing opportunities and hiding spots. A shallow water dish should be provided for hydration.

Feeding: They have a diet that mainly consists of small invertebrates, such as crickets, flies, and moths.

Lifespan: Green Tree Frogs can live up to 10 years or more with proper care.

7. American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)

Similar to the Green Tree Frog, the American Green Tree Frog is an excellent choice for beginner frog owners. With their low maintenance requirements and soothing calls, these frogs can bring a touch of nature into your home.

Habitat: American Green Tree Frogs require a well-ventilated terrarium with plenty of climbing opportunities. Providing hiding spots and a shallow water dish is recommended.

Feeding: They have a diet that primarily consists of small invertebrates, such as crickets, flies, and moths.

Lifespan: With proper care, American Green Tree Frogs can live up to 10 years or more.

8. Tomato Frog (Dyscophus spp.)

Tomato Frogs are known for their vibrant red coloring and stout shape, making them visually appealing pets. Despite their bright appearance, they are relatively low-maintenance and suitable for beginner frog enthusiasts.

Habitat: Tomato Frogs require a spacious and moist terrarium with areas to burrow and hide. Adding live plants can provide additional hiding spots.

Feeding: They have a carnivorous diet and readily consume various small invertebrates, including crickets, mealworms, and roaches.

Lifespan: With proper care, Tomato Frogs can live up to 8-10 years.

9. Oriental Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)

The Oriental Fire-bellied Toad is another excellent choice for beginner frog owners, offering an enjoyable and interactive experience. With its vibrant colors and active nature, this frog can be a delightful addition to your home.

Habitat: Oriental Fire-bellied Toads require a semi-aquatic setup with a combination of land and water areas. Providing hideouts and a shallow water dish is recommended.

Feeding: Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as crickets, fruit flies, and small worms.

Lifespan: With proper care, Oriental Fire-bellied Toads can live up to 15 years.

10. Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)

Leopard Frogs are fascinating and attractive amphibians that can make great pets for beginners. With proper care and a suitable habitat, these frogs can be a joy to observe and care for.

Habitat: Leopard Frogs require an aquatic setup with a spacious tank, clean water, and opportunities for hiding. Providing aquatic plants and other hiding spots is recommended.

Feeding: They have a carnivorous diet and consume a variety of insects and small invertebrates.

Lifespan: With proper care, Leopard Frogs can live up to 5-10 years.

Conclusion

When choosing a pet frog, it is crucial to consider factors such as ease of care, temperament, and availability. The 10 frog species mentioned in this guide – African Clawed Frog, White's Tree Frog, Pacman Frog, Fire-bellied Toad, Gray Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, American Green Tree Frog, Tomato Frog, Oriental Fire-bellied Toad, and Leopard Frog – are well-suited for beginners due to their adaptability, low maintenance requirements, and availability in pet stores.

Remember to research the specific care requirements of your chosen frog species thoroughly, provide a suitable habitat, and maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels. By doing so, you will be well on your way to creating a happy and healthy home for your new frog companion. Enjoy the journey into the enchanting world of frog ownership!