American Bullfrog Care Sheet

American Bullfrog Care Sheet

Rana catesbeiana
Category
Amphibian
Average Size
4 - 8 inches long
Average Lifespan
7 - 12 years
Diet Type
Carnivore

Diet & Nutrition

American Bullfrogs are carnivores. They will eat a variety of invertebrates including crickets, small waxworms, blood worms, earth worms, and roaches.

American Bullfrogs should be fed 2-3 times a week. Dust food with calcium powder every feeding, and a multivitamin once a week.

Housing & Habitat

American Bullfrogs are found in North America. American Bullfrogs can easily be housed together with similar size tank mates if kept in an adequately sized enclosure.

Enclosure Size

A single adult American Bullfrog must have a minimum cage size of 36"

Long x 18" Deep x 16" High. A larger habitat would be recommended for multiple specimens.

Substrate

American Bullfrogs are semi-aquatic. A terrarium with sand or large gravel for the water portion is acceptable. Peat moss, coconut fiber, or sphagnum moss is appropriate for a land portion. The terrarium may also be setup primarily terrestrial with a water dish large enough for the frog to submerge.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

American Bullfrogs require a basking temperature of 80ºF. The cool end of the enclosure can be as low as 70ºF.

Lighting

Lighting is not required for American Bullfrogs. For live planted terrariums or aesthetics, lights may be used. Low strength UVB can be used to promote plant growth and act as an anti-microbial. There is no current proof that this animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.

Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.

Humidity & Watering

Humidity

American Bullfrogs require a humidity to be maintained around 60%. If the terrarium is set up semi-aquatic, the water portion should maintain humidity. In drier environments this can be maintained using a fogger, hand mister, or misting system.

Watering

With the terrarium set up semi-aquatic, the water portion will suffice for water if it is kept clean. Otherwise, a large water bowl with clean water should be provided. Always use de-chlorinated water or bottled spring water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do American Bullfrogs eat?

American Bullfrogs are carnivores. They will eat a variety of invertebrates including crickets, small waxworms, blood worms, earth worms, and roaches. American Bullfrogs should be fed 2-3 times a week. Dust food with calcium powder every feeding, and a multivitamin once a week.

What kind of habitat does a American Bullfrog need?

American Bullfrogs are found in North America. American Bullfrogs can easily be housed together with similar size tank mates if kept in an adequately sized enclosure. A single adult American Bullfrog must have a minimum cage size of 36" Long x 18" Deep x 16" High. A larger habitat would be recommended for multiple specimens.

What temperature and lighting does a American Bullfrog need?

American Bullfrogs require a basking temperature of 80ºF. The cool end of the enclosure can be as low as 70ºF. Lighting is not required for American Bullfrogs. For live planted terrariums or aesthetics, lights may be used. Low strength UVB can be used to promote plant growth and act as an anti-microbial. There is no current proof that this animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB. Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs. Humidity: American Bullfrogs require a humi...