Budgett's Frog

Budgett's Frog key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Size

11-12cm; males about half the size of females

Temperature

Diet

Earthworms, crickets, roaches and waxworms, plus fish

Temperature & Humidity

As a fully aquatic species the figure to control is water temperature, held at 25-28C with a thermostatically controlled aquarium heater. Frogs kept in cool water feed poorly and are more prone to illness. Water level and temperature are lowered in stages only when deliberately inducing aestivation, not in routine keeping.

Enclosure

Keep it in an aquarium or bare tank with enough depth for its nostrils to reach the surface, not in the shallow water used for horned frogs. An adult is commonly kept in a tank of about 60 x 30 x 38 cm with 15 to 23 cm of water; it swims strongly and copes with 30 cm without difficulty. Good filtration greatly reduces the need for water changes.

Diet & Feeding

It is carnivorous and takes earthworms, crickets, roaches and waxworms. It feeds readily and is prone to obesity; a healthy adult should be longer than it is wide. Fish must be warmed to destroy thiaminase and allowed to cool before being offered. Adults on a varied diet need supplements only about once every two weeks.

Temperament

It is aggressive, inflating itself, shrieking and biting when threatened, and it is cannibalistic, so keep it alone outside the breeding season. It launches itself out of the water at approaching food, so take care when offering prey with tongs.

Notes

The species is not listed in the CITES appendices, and it is neither a specified animal nor an invasive alien species under Japanese law. Commercial breeding using hormones has made it more readily available in recent years. As an amphibian its skin is sensitive, so wash and wet your hands before handling; its bite is powerful, so avoid handling it bare-handed.

About Budgett's Frog

A fully aquatic frog with an oversized, flattened head about a third of its body length. Feisty when provoked — it puffs up and bites. Lives 15 to 20 years, grows to 11-12cm, and suits intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Budgett's Frog

1. 1Fully Aquatic Lifestyle

   This frog spends nearly its entire life submerged, surfacing only its eyes and nostrils while it lies in wait for prey. Provide a spacious, well-maintained aquatic setup — it rarely, if ever, leaves the water.

2. 2A Bold, Feisty Temperament

   Despite its cute appearance, this species has a feisty temperament. When threatened, it puffs up its body, lets out a loud squeal, and may bite — so keep it alone, since housing multiple frogs together risks cannibalism.

3. 3Big Mouth, Big Appetite

   Its head makes up about a third of its body length, giving it a huge mouth and a voracious appetite for anything that fits inside it. Take care to avoid bites during handling or water changes.

4. 4A Long-Term Commitment

   With a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, this is a long-term commitment. Make sure you can provide consistent care through every stage of its life before bringing one home.

5. 5Size Differs by Sex

   Adults reach about 11 to 12 cm, with males roughly half the size of females. You'll need to adjust tank size as your frog grows and this size gap becomes apparent.

6. 6Water Quality Matters

   Being fully aquatic, this frog needs regular water changes and consistent water quality monitoring. That ongoing care is exactly why it's considered better suited to intermediate keepers.

7. 7Prepping the Setup

   Set up a calm aquatic environment with places to hide, and make sure your frog has its own dedicated space since it should be housed alone. Use a securely lidded enclosure to prevent escapes or accidents.

Frequently asked questions about Budgett's Frog

Q.Is it as docile as it looks?

A.Not really — this species has a feisty temperament. When threatened, it puffs up and lets out a loud squeal, and it may bite. That contrast with its cute appearance is part of its charm.

Q.Can it be kept with other frogs?

A.Solitary housing is generally recommended. It treats anything that fits in its mouth as potential prey, so keeping multiple frogs together risks cannibalism.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.It's a carnivore that readily eats live prey small enough to swallow whole. Choose food sized appropriately for your frog so it can eat comfortably.

Q.Can I take it out of the water or let it roam?

A.Since it's fully aquatic, it lives in water essentially all the time. Handling should be kept to a minimum, as it can stress the frog or result in a bite.

Q.Is this frog suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered better suited to intermediate keepers. Some prior experience helps with water quality management and handling its feisty temperament.

Useful tools for Budgett's Frog care

Learn more about Budgett's Frog in the encyclopedia

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