The 10 Best Pet Frog Species
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Pet frogs can make a fun addition to many different households, but before you hop into caring for them, it’s important to find a frog species that fits your lifestyle and level of experience.
Unlike dogs and cats, which have different breeds within each species, frogs come in several different species—and each have their own unique care requirements.
For example, tree frogs need an enclosure with plenty of vertical space and objects for them to climb, while other buddies like the Pacman frog prefer deep substrates for burrowing.
Whichever frog species you choose, it’s best to do your research. Let’s dive into some of the best frog “breeds” you may want to consider as pets.
Key Takeaways
- Different frogs have different dietary needs. Talk to your veterinarian or frog expert about what to feed your frog.
- All frogs should be handled with care. Use gloves, and be sure to wash your hands before and after.
- Always get your frog from a captive-bred source, rather than from the wild.
1. Poison Dart Frog
- Scientific name: Dendrobatidae family
- Average size: 0.5–2.5 inches
- Average life expectancy: 3–15 years
As colorful as they are tiny, poison dart frogs are a popular choice for experienced amphibian keepers. Bonus points for frog lovers with a green thumb, since these little guys thrive in well-planted terrariums with high humidity levels.
Unlike most frogs on this list, dart frogs (also known as arrow frogs) are active during the day, so they’re more fun to watch than our nocturnal friends.
Contrary to popular belief, captive-bred dart frogs are non-toxic, but that doesn’t mean they should come out to play. María Juárez Byrd, DVM, an exotic and small animal veterinarian in Jefferson City, Missouri, says that all pet frogs should only be handled when it’s absolutely necessary—poison or no.
“Their sensitive skin makes them vulnerable to various diseases,” she explains, “so it’s best to admire frogs within their terrarium rather than
If you do need to handle your frog (for instance, when cleaning their tank) Dr. Juárez Byrd recommends washing your hands first, putting on non-powdered latex or nitrile gloves, and rinsing the gloves in distilled water before handling your frog.
Some frogs release natural toxins to protect themselves from predators, and these secretions may irritate your eyes, mouth, or any open cuts. Practice caution, limit exposure, and wash your hands once you’re done handling them.
2. Amazon Milk Frog
- Scientific name: Trachycephalus resinifictrix
- Average size: 2.5–4 inches
- Average life expectancy: 5–10 years
Amazon milk frogs, also called gold mission frogs, are relatively large compared to tree frogs, and are known for their unique appearance—they’re covered in brown and white stripes and have blue toes. Their name comes from the milky-white secretions they make when stressed.
Milk frogs need quite a bit of humidity in their enclosure, which can be tricky to get right—especially if you’re just getting started with amphibian pets.
Because of their large size, these nocturnal tree frogs require a spacious terrarium that has ample climbing opportunities for them to explore. Plants, PVC pipes, and bamboo poles are great ways to make vertical space for your new friend.
3. Red-Eyed Tree Frog
- Scientific name: Agalychnis callidryas
- Average size: 1.5–3 inches
- Average life expectancy: 5–10 years
With their vibrant green bodies, bright red eyes, and blue-and-yellow striped sides, the iconic red-eyed tree frog is a sight to behold.
In the wild, these tree-dwellers are found in the canopy of tropical rainforests from Mexico to South America. Like other tree frogs, they’ll need a vertical enclosure with plenty of space for them to climb as they would in the wild.
Though striking in appearance, these nocturnal hunters do all their fun
Pet parents looking for a pet who’s active during the day may want to opt for another frog that isn’t so sleepy when the sun’s up.
4. White's Tree Frog
- Scientific name: Ranoidea caerulea or Litoria caerulea
- Average size: 3-5 inches
- Average life expectancy: 10-15 years
If you’re looking for a truly amiable amphibian friend, these chubby green cuties are known for their docile nature and adaptability. Also known as the dumpy tree frog, these large, laid-back Australians have been known to live more than 20 years in captivity!
White's tree frogs are an excellent choice for beginner frog parents, as their habitat requirements are not as finicky as some others. Though it’s possible to tame them enough for occasional handling, you should still be very cautious and follow frog handling protocol to keep stress and chance of injury to a minimum.
5. American Green Tree Frog
- Scientific name: Hyla cinerea
- Average size: 1.5–2.5 inches
- Average life expectancy: 3–7 years
American green tree frogs are another popular starter frog. These social creatures do best in groups of four to eight frogs so they have plenty of
Their natural habitat is the wetlands of the southeastern United States, so their enclosure should be a vertical space that mimics the swamps and streams they thrive in. They’ll need a mix of both water and dry land for them to explore, along with floating vegetation, plants, grasses, and things to climb.
6. Pacman Frog
- Scientific name: Ceratophrys species
- Average size: 4–6 inches
- Average life expectancy: 7–10 years
Known for their voracious appetites and sedentary lifestyles, Pacman frogs are a unique choice for pet parents who prefer a low-maintenance amphibian.
These round, brightly colored frogs have a gaping mouth that may look familiar to fans of the 1980s arcade game character.
Don’t expect a lot of activity from these frogs, however. They spend most of their time burrowed in their
Coconut fiber and pesticide-free topsoil are good substrate options for your Pacman, since they’ll hold moisture well but are loose enough for them to burrow into.Added and linked in orange.
7. Pixie Frog
- Scientific name: Pyxicephalus adspersus
- Average size: Males: 4–6 inches; Females: 8–10 inches
- Average life expectancy: 15-25 years
Don’t let the name fool you. Pixie frogs, also known as African bullfrogs, are one of the largest frog species that may be kept as pets, and they’ve been known to live in captivity for more than 20 years.
These frogs need a spacious terrarium and deep substrate for burrowing, says
Manderfeld notes that while pixie frogs are one of the easier pet frogs to care for, these big frogs can be a bit boring outside of mealtimes: “They pretty much just sit there.”
8. African Dwarf Frog
- Scientific name: Hymenochirus boettgeri
- Average size: 1–1.5 inches
- Average life expectancy: 5–6 years
Unlike their terrestrial counterparts on this list, African dwarf frogs are fully aquatic and thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. Manderfeld says these swimmers are relatively easy to keep.
They’re small and peaceful enough to coexist with smaller fish species—assuming the other tankmates don’t view them as a meal! Plus, they don’t require live food, so mealtimes may be easier to handle than for some other frogs if you’re squeamish about handling live bugs and worms.
9. African Clawed Frog
- Scientific name: Xenopus laevis
- Average size: 4–5 inches
- Average life expectancy: 5–15 years
African clawed frogs are another fully aquatic species that may be relatively easy to care for, with a caveat about their cohabitants. Manderfeld says that clawed frogs can be kept with fish, provided they don't pick on the frog, but he notes that “tank-mates may become a meal as [clawed frogs] do get quite large.”
African clawed frogs are best kept in a species-only tank unless their fellow creatures are much larger than something they can fit in their mouth. Manderfeld recommends something like a small, peaceful catfish like Corydoras, because their sharp spines discourage any would-be predators.
Another possible tank-mate would be an armored fish, like plecostomus, which are generally safe from predators and can help keep the aquarium's surfaces free of algae.
10. Tomato Frog
- Scientific name: Dyscophus species
- Average size: 2–4 inches
- Average life expectancy: 6–8 years
As their name suggests, the tomato frog is another visually striking frog friend known for their bright red or orange coloring. These terrestrial frogs prefer a humid environment with a shallow water dish to keep their skin from drying out.
While they’re another relatively low-maintenance species to care for, tomato frogs do need a diet of mostly live foods like crickets and the occasional earthworm to survive.
Choosing the Best Frog as a Pet
Determining whether a frog is the right amphibian pet for you means evaluating their needs. Consider these factors when determining what will be the best type of frog for you:
- Space and time commitment: Assess the space you have available for a terrarium and the time you can dedicate to its maintenance, including feeding and cleaning.
- Dietary needs: Find out your frog’s specific dietary needs. Are you comfortable handling live insects like crickets and fruit flies? Or would an aquatic frog who subsists on shrimp powder and frog pellets be a better fit?
- Experience level: Some frogs are low-maintenance and suitable for beginners, while others require more specialized care to keep their temperature and humidity at just the right levels.
Follow these tips to get started on the right foot with your new pet:
- Consult with a qualified amphibian veterinarian or herpetologist to ensure you can provide the best possible care before you bring them home.
- Get your new pet from a captive-bred source to avoid impacting wild frog populations, which are
- Invest in a high-quality terrarium, thermostat, hygrometer, and lighting (just to name a few items).
