Are you planning to keep an aquatic frog as a pet? Keep in mind that these delicate creatures need careful and minimal handling. There are more such tips to find in this story.
Aquatic frogs are commonly called water frogs. Their scientific name is Xenopus laevis. These animals classify as exotic, so ensure that your state laws permit citizens to keep them as pets.
They have a longevity of 4 - 15 years, but they are known to live longer when properly cared for. The most popular among all aquatic frogs is the African clawed frog.
Frogs are cold-blooded amphibians that live both on land and in water.
Toxic glands are easily identified in fire-bellied toads, due to spots of green and brown colors.
They never feel thirsty as water gets absorbed through their permeable skin.
They can also eat from your hands.
Caring for Water Frogs
An aquatic tank is the best option when it comes to keeping aquatic frogs as pets. If you are planning to keep terrestrial frogs as pets, you must house them in terrestrial or arboreal tanks. These frogs require dry climate and high humidity for growth and nutrition.
For keeping a single aquatic frog, you will require ten gallons of water with the required depth of 30 centimeters. These frogs are not good swimmers, so you should not place them in deep water, as it may cause difficulty in breathing. The top of the tank should be covered with a lid to prevent your pet from falling off while jumping. The lid also protects it from direct sunlight, which is necessary as its skin is very sensitive.
Prepare the Tank
You can buy an aquatic tank for keeping your little pets. Keep in mind that frogs get startled rather easily, and prefer to remain in quiet, private spaces inside the tank. Place a few tank ornaments like natural plants, terracotta pots, and rocks that will help them move freely and hide at the bottom of the tank.
Food for your Pets
Frogs feed on any living and dead organisms, as well as other organic matter. They consume guppy fries, silkworm, crickets, frozen bloodworms, frozen glassworms, brine shrimp, reptomin, and earthworms.
During winter the adults have a low metabolic rate, so feed them keeping intervals of 2 - 3 days. Froglets should be given fed once a day. Avoid keeping any metal objects in the tank, as metal ions are detrimental to their health.
Cleaning the Tank
It is important to clean the tank every fifteen days. Pour water and a dechlorinating agent into the tank and let it stay for 48 hours. Meanwhile, keep your little pets in a holding tank, half filled with water. Holding tanks are plastic buckets available in pet stores.
You can also use stress coat and aquarium salts in the tank water for purification purposes. Stress coat acts as a chlorine remover and also removes heavy metallic elements present in the water. It prevents the outbreak of diseases. Aquarium salts increase the salinity of water and thereby suppress the growth of fungi and bacteria. Tetra Whisper power filters can be used to keep impurities at bay.
Temperature and pH (Hydrogen Ion Concentration) Requirements
Maintaining proper temperature and making suitable pH adjustments is also essential for their health and survival. The optimum water temperature is 64 - 75ยบ F. You can buy a tank heater and a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the tank.
The pH value in the tank should be maintained between 6.5 - 7.5. You can buy a neutral pH regulator which maintains a constant level of 7.
Substrates Used in Tank
Different types of substrates like aquarium gravel and river rocks can be used in tanks. For a bare bottom tank, you can put a dark cloth underneath to give it a natural look. Aquarium gravel should be small in size, so as to avoid the incidence of injuries in your pets. The bottom of the tank should be cleaned properly before placing river rocks as they capture the waste and debris, increasing the ammonia levels in the water. Aquarium sand can also be used as a substrate in tanks.
Aquatic frogs really make good exotic pets. If you manage to provide them a safe and secure environment, they can become a part of your family, just like dogs and cats.