African Reed Frog Terrarium Questions

[aquaman7]

Thank you both very much. I have a few more questions if you don't mind...

Can you recommend a reputable source for such frogs (especially, Heterixalus alboguttatus), and also, for springtails and terrestrial isopods?

Terry, you're right that seems to be a different sort of frog all together. My favorite thus far has been H. alboguttatus, so I was pleased you recommended them. My mind's been focused on the African Reeds but I'm going to look into the genus Scaphiophryne a bit more. From what I've researched, some frogs in that genus seem to be burrowers while some are more terrestrial... which species would you say are least prone to burrowing?

Oh, and one more question. I'm looking for some tropical moss (like Selaginella spp.) and small grass-like plants (such as miniature mondo grass and Pilularia globifera). Do you have any recommendations for a supplier of these plants?

Thank you so much!

[Buck Rogers]

Ah now this is a topic I can give a lot of advise on at last

Painted reed frogs are amazing little creatures. There are 9 subspecies of Hyperolius marmoratus with another 7 Hyperolius species as well - and that's just in sub-Sahara Africa! Amazing!!!

I Have kept quite a few of these frogs and they as easy as pie to keep. I have kept mine in a large critter keeper with soil, plants and a water bowl. I have been planning on moving towards a full water terrarium. When I find these in the wild they are always around large water pans especially on reeds, the males will sit for hours calling which is a short, loud piercing whistle about one per second. In captivity they very good feeders and take pin heads to small crickets, moths and even meal worms. Im sure if a small group of 5-10 were kept together in a setup with a system like a rain chamber these would breed very easily. When setting up a tank ideally think of a water pan (like you would find in Florida) with tall grasses and reeds - not a tropical set-up like South American amphibians. Try googling Lowveld water pans, bushveld etc and you'll get an idea.

If you have any direct questions please feel free to drop me a PM.

[aquaman7]

When setting up a tank ideally think of a water pan (like you would find in Florida) with tall grasses and reeds - not a tropical set-up like South American amphibians.

OK that's exactly what I was thinking. I'll be sure to drop you a PM if I get a specific question. Thanks!

[tgampper]

Thanks for your comments, Buck.

Painted reed frogs are amazing little creatures. There are 9 subspecies of Hyperolius marmoratus with another 7 Hyperolius species as well - and that's just in sub-Sahara Africa! Amazing!!!

I must have miscounted Southern Africa has some of the most interesting species of frogs you'll find anywhere.

@aquaman7: Most species of Scaphiophryne are fossorial, burrowing and living most of their lives underground. One species, S. madagascariensis is the least fossorial and would make an interesting subject. S. gottlebei is the rarest and most sought after, if you can find them.

Rain frogs are easy to keep. At the zoo, we kept 5 in a 10 gallon tank. I find it strange that they have such beautiful colors and spend most of their time out of sight

[aquaman7]

Thanks for the info Terry!


Again, does anyone know of a reputable online source for african reed frogs? I definietly plan to also check with my local herp society but I'd like to know if there are any online sources as well.

Thanks again!