Aquatic Frogs Care

Aquatic frogs are commonly called water frogs. Their scientific name is Xenopus laevis. They fall in the category of exotic pets. They have a longevity of 4 - 15 years, but they are known to live longer when properly taken care of. The most commonly preferred of all aquatic frogs, is the African clawed frog. Here are some interesting facts, just to entice you to bring one home as a pet.

• Frogs are cold blooded amphibians that live both on land and in water.
• Some species of toads have heart shaped pupils.
• 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.
• The first frog cloning ever, was done was of an African clawed frog.

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, then keep them in terrestrial tanks or arboreal tanks. These require dry climates and high humidity for growth and nutrition.

Aquatic Tanks

You can buy an aquatic tank for keeping your little pets. It is the African Clawed frog that is preferred by those who wish to keep water frogs as pets. These can be kept in an aquatic tank. These get frightened easily so they search for hiding places. It is better that you put some cover at the back of the tank. These can be natural plants, terracotta pots and rocks that can give a good look too. This will help them move freely and hide at the bottom of the tank.

Foods for your Pets

Frogs feed on any living and dead organisms, as well as any organic matter. They feed on live guppy fries, silkworm, crickets, frozen bloodworms, frozen glassworms, brine shrimp, reptomin, and earthworms cut into tiny pieces. During winter, adults have a low metabolic rate so feed them in an interval of 2 - 3 days. Froglets should be given food once daily. Avoid keeping any metal object in the tank, as metal ions are detrimental to their health. Providing proper nutrition to your pet is an essential part of aquatic frogs care.

Tank Size and Tank Top

For keeping a single frog, you will require ten gallons of water with the required depth of 30 centimeters. These are not good swimmers so you should not put them in very deep water, otherwise it would be difficult for them to breathe. The top of the tank should be covered with a lid for it prevents your pet from falling off while jumping and escaping. The lid also protects your pet from direct sunlight, which is necessary as its skin is very sensitive to it.

Cleaning the Tank

It is important to clean the tank once every fifteen days. Pour water and a dechlorinating agent into the tank and keep it 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 metal elements present in the water. It prevents your pets from 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 - 75ºF. 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 makes the pH constant at 7.

Substrates Used in Tank

Different types of substrates like bare bottom, aquarium gravel and river rocks can be used in tanks. For bare bottom tank, you can put a dark cloth below the tank to give it a natural look. Aquarium gravel should be small in size as bigger gravel can hurt your pets. Bottom of the tank should be cleaned properly before placing river rocks. This is because river rocks capture the waste debris and increase the ammonia levels in the water. Aquarium sand can also be used as a substrate in tanks. Turkey baster can be used for cleaning the organic wastes compounds deposited on the substrate.

Aquatic frogs really make good exotic pets, for if properly taken care of, they can become a part of your family, just like dogs and cats. All that these friendly creatures need from you, is your love and care.