Nowadays, more and more people are choosing to keep pets, no longer limited to traditional cats and dogs; even some niche and unusual pets are gaining popularity, including frogs. More and more people are joining the ranks of pet frog owners. Below are ten of the most popular pet frogs, including the horned frog, the giant tree frog, the red-eyed tree frog, the milk frog, the tomato frog, the green rain frog, and the clown frog. Let's learn about them together.
1. Horned Frog (Interesting appearance, colorful, lucky frog)
Horned frogs are considered one of the most popular pet frog species, known for their aggressive and fierce temperament. These wild frogs often ambush and attack unsuspecting prey, such as snails and lizards. Due to their voracious appetite, horned frogs frequently prey on arthropods or small vertebrates, employing ambush tactics by burying themselves halfway in the soil and waiting for their prey to come to them.
The most common species of horned frog is the Bell Horned Frog, followed by the South American Horned Frog, while the most expensive species is the Amazon Horned Frog, also known as the King Horned Frog. Other species include the Green Horned Frog, Colombian Horned Frog, Peruvian Horned Frog, and Savannah Horned Frog. Due to their interesting appearance, vibrant colors, and overall beauty, horned frogs have become one of the most popular pets. They are often jokingly referred to as "lucky frogs," making them one of the most common pet frogs in the world.
2. Giant Tree Frog (inexpensive and easy to keep)
The Great African Tree Frog, a highly sought-after pet frog species, is endemic to China, primarily distributed in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. It is also known as the Ploughhead Frog or the Frog General. The Great African Tree Frog is favored for its ease of care; its enclosure should include a deep water dish and a food dish for cleaning and drinking. Otherwise, they require minimal attention, and their price is quite affordable. However, it is crucial to ensure the enclosure remains dry, not damp.
3. Red-eyed tree frog (highly ornamental, with suction cups on its toes)
The red-eyed tree frog is one of the world's top ten most popular pet frogs, mainly distributed in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, Central America, and South America. This frog has extremely high ornamental value and is also a very shy animal. It has bright red eyes and feet and is adept at camouflage. Its bright green body, vibrant scarlet eyes on its back, and incredibly attractive clear blue sides, along with its orange-red toes, are often described as "shimmering colors." Furthermore, its toes have suckers that secrete a special mucus, allowing it to walk freely on smooth surfaces, thus earning it the nickname "highly skilled aerial workers."
4. Milk Frog (unique appearance, lively personality)
Milk frogs are also a popular pet frog species, their mottled patterns giving them a camouflage-like appearance. In terms of care, milk frogs are similar to common tree frogs, with similar diets, but they eat more than red-eyed tree frogs and prefer to forage on the ground. They will accept various live prey, such as crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms, and are generally more lively and outgoing than red-eyed tree frogs.
However, it's important to note that milk frogs should not be kept with other species of tree frogs, as they appear to exhibit a competitive tendency, which can lead to fatal fights. Furthermore, milk frogs are nocturnal animals and are typically active at night.
5. Tomato Frog (brightly colored, long lifespan)
Tomato frogs are also highly popular among pet frogs. Their round, adorable bodies, resembling chubby little guys, are undeniably endearing. Furthermore, tomato frogs have vibrant colors, typically bright red, resembling tomatoes, which is why they are named as such.
It's important to note that tomato frogs have toxins in their skin. When threatened, they secrete a white, sticky substance from their bright red skin. Any creature that comes into contact with this substance will experience a skin allergy, which, while not fatal, can cause prolonged and intense pain.
6. Green Rain Frog (cute appearance, gentle temperament)
The green rainforest frog, also known as the "grandpa tree frog," typically has a light emerald-green body, occasionally with small milky-white spots. Depending on the environment, its color can change from bluish-green to reddish-brown. Adult green rainforest frogs have very prominent folds of skin drooping down the sides of their heads, and their mouths are slightly upturned, resembling an old man, hence the nickname "grandpa tree frog." This frog has a tenacious vitality, with a lifespan of 15 to 18 years, and a maximum of 22 years. Their plump, round bodies are quite adorable, and they are very friendly, making them an ideal choice for first-time pet frog owners.
7. Clown Frog (unique appearance)
In the world of pet frogs, the clown frog is quite a unique species. It's beloved for its small eyes and somewhat ugly appearance. Clown frogs are adept at surprise attacks; while appearing lazy when hunting, they have actually meticulously planned their attack and how to subdue their prey. They have an enormous appetite, always eating until they are completely stuffed.
Although clown frogs have become slightly less adept at hunting through domestication, they remain quite temperamental pet frogs. Their purely carnivorous nature and enormous appetite make raising them no easy task.
8. African bullfrog (large size, enormous appetite)
African bullfrogs have become a popular pet frog species in recent years. They are found south of the Sahara Desert in Africa and can reach lengths of over 20 centimeters, making them one of the largest frogs in the world. As carnivorous amphibians, African bullfrogs are extremely aggressive, capable of leaping up to 3 meters in length, pouncing on almost any moving object within their leap range and swallowing their prey whole. They primarily feed on insects, small birds, small reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. African bullfrogs are heat-tolerant but intolerant of cold.
Today, African bullfrogs have become a popular pet, and they can be seen all over the world.
9. Golden Frog (easy to raise, symbolizes wealth)
The golden frog is one of the relatively easy-to-keep pet frogs in captivity, belonging to the albino African clawed frog species. A key characteristic of the golden frog is that both juveniles and adults lead an aquatic life. Although golden frogs possess strong and well-developed hind legs, their webbed toes and limited limb support make them better swimmers than hopping frogs on land. Juvenile golden frogs are completely transparent, allowing a clear view of their internal structures, while adults are pink and quite adorable.
Due to their distinctive morphology, clawed frogs have wide applications in scientific research and are also popular aquarium pets. The market price for golden frogs is quite considerable; because they resemble gold, more and more people call them "golden frogs," and they are especially beloved by keepers, symbolizing abundant wealth.
10. Peacock Tree Frog (cute appearance, easy to keep)
The Peacock Tree Frog, also known as the Insect-Patterned Black Frog or the African Big-Eyed Tree Frog, is another very easy-to-keep pet frog. Originating in East Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, this species is nocturnal, becoming active at dusk. Therefore, UVB/UVA protection is unnecessary. This frog also has an interesting characteristic: it likes to burrow into the soil during the day, so a thick, easy-to-burrow-in substrate in its enclosure is recommended.
Although there are many beautiful frogs in the same genus, the African bigeye tree frog is the most popular pet. Its popularity among pet enthusiasts stems primarily from its large size within the genus, its cold tolerance, and its robust and easy-to-care-for nature.
The top ten most popular pet frogs are recommended based on their appearance and popularity, as well as by taking into account relevant internet rankings and lists. The data is current as of November 17, 2023. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment or offer criticism at the end.
