20 Types Of Frogs (with Pictures)

There are known to be several thousand species of frogs around the world, with new species still being discovered. From the aptly named Common Frog, which is widely distributed across Europe and Asia, and the Chorus Frog, one of the most common species in North America, to the Microhylid Frog, which is only found in two very small areas in Madagascar, frogs vary in color, size, and prevalence. They also vary in their diet, whether they can be handled, and their suitability for keeping as pets.

Below, we look at 20 types of frogs, including some common pet species and some that should probably not be kept as pets.

The 20 Types of Frogs

1. African Bullfrog

We’ll start with one of the most popular pet frog species, the African Bullfrog. Males can grow up to 10 inches, which makes them safer to handle, and the species will tolerate occasional handling. The frog can live over 30 years and, in the wild, spends much of its time living in a hole underground. You will need a large tank but the African Bullfrog is a good choice as a pet.

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2. African Dwarf Frog

Although they hail from the same part of the world, African Dwarf Frogs are quite different from Bullfrogs. They are excellent swimmers, only needing to surface to breathe, and they typically only measure around 3 inches. This means owners won’t need such a large tank, but you will need to provide water. You can keep the African Dwarf Frog in the same tank as some breeds of fish.

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3. American Bullfrog

The American Bullfrog is one of the most commonly seen species in North America. It can technically be kept as a pet, but the American Bullfrog is a shy frog that can jump very long distances. This means that it will require a large tank with plenty of space and that includes water, otherwise, your Bullfrog will keep jumping against the tank wall. The species is best kept as a pet to watch, rather than to be handled.

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4. American Green Tree Frog

The American Green Tree Frog is a small frog but its vibrant color and arboreal nature make them an intriguing pet that is fun to watch. The American Green Tree Frog is, as its name suggests, a bright green color. It is a good choice as a first frog because it doesn’t require any special heating in its tank unless the room it lives in gets cold in the evenings. And because it is arboreal and small, the tree frog benefits from vertical space and can live in a relatively small enclosure.

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5. American Toad

The American Toad is another good pet species, but there are some caveats. The toad will tolerate occasional handling but this needs to be kept to a minimum because this little amphibian gives off a substance that can be an irritant to the eyes, and the oils from human skin can cause damage to the toad. And while the American Toad might not be as colorful as some species, its skin color can change in tone.

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6. Bumblebee Dart Frog

While some frogs and toads can look quite plain and even a little ugly, others have stunning and vibrant colors. The Bumblebee Dart Frog may only be small, measuring just over an inch, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in vibrancy with its black and yellow markings. You won’t be able to handle this frog often and you will need to manage temperature and humidity levels in the tank, so there are easier first pet frog species.

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7. Common Frog

The Common Frog is found throughout the UK and other parts of Europe. Technically, it can be kept as a pet, but it may not be the best choice. Common Frogs have a long leap and they do not recognize glass as being a solid barrier so yours may injure itself quite frequently even if you do provide a large tank.

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8. Glass Frog

Glass Frogs are unusual in their appearance because they have translucent skin that looks as though they are covered in glass. Their underbellies are transparent which means that you can see their heart beating, and this is one of the reasons that people consider them as pets. They will need a tank at least with at least a 20-gallon capacity that is taller than it is wide because these are arboreal frogs. They need special lighting, heat, and humidity levels, and the tank needs regular cleaning. They should not be considered the best species for first-time frog keepers.

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9. Golden Mantella

The Golden Mantella is often mistaken for a poisonous dart frog because of its orange color, although some Mantellas may appear more brown in hue. The species is considered good for novice keepers, however, because their requirements only involve ensuring that the terrarium is kept clean and that small insects are readily available.

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10. Goliath Frog

As you can guess from its name, the Goliath Frog is a giant of the frog world, potentially growing to 12 inches or more. It is, in fact, the largest frog species in the world. Unusually for frogs, males tend to be larger than females, and rather than croaking like other frog species, males whistle to attract a mate. In the wild, the Goliath Frog is considered endangered.

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11. Gray Tree Frog

The Gray Tree Frog is native to the U.S. and it has a rugged, warty appearance. It is arboreal, which means that its enclosure should be vertically spacious and you will need to provide a 20-gallon tank to ensure that it has enough space. If you are considering a Gray Tree Frog, ensure you buy it from a reputable breeder to help protect the native population.

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12. Green Frog

Green Frogs are native to the U.S. and are a popular pet species because they grow to an average size and are relatively calm, which means they will tolerate occasional handling. The species will eat just about anything, as long as it fits in its mouth, which also makes diet selection quite an easy process.

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13. Madagascar Tomato Frog

The Madagascar Tomato Frog is an unusual-looking species that is round and red, like a tomato. It hails from Madagascar and is a hardy frog that can survive in a variety of habitats. This also makes them a good choice for frog keepers. The Tomato Frog will burrow when it is kept in an aquarium, too.

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14. Malayan Horned Frog

The Malayan Horned Frog has a unique appearance. It has a brown back and two sharp-looking horns atop its head, giving the overall appearance of a brown leaf. The frog may also have a rusty brown underbelly and is very well camouflaged on the ground of the forests it resides in.

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15. Mimic Poison Frog

The Mimic Poison Frog is toxic, but while it does deliver enough toxin to make a person ill, it doesn’t have lethal levels in most cases. However, it shouldn’t be handled, so if it is kept as a pet, the Mimic Poison Frog, which gets its name from the fact that it mimics the coloration and markings of more toxic Poison Frogs, should be watched rather than petted.

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16. Pacman Frog

The Pacman Frog is one of the most popular pet frog species. However, you may need to wear gloves when handling one, not because it is toxic but because it has sharp teeth and will defend its territory vigorously so you may get bitten. The frog gets its name from the fact that its mouth takes up roughly half of its head, just like Pacman.

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17. Red-Eyed Tree Frog

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is another very popular pet species, likely because of its striking color. The frog has a green body with blue legs and a white underbelly, as well as large red eyes. It also has bright orange feet. It has the nickname of monkey frog because of how far it can leap and those colorful feet are webbed with sticky pads to help grip onto surfaces.

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18. Vietnamese Mossy Frog

The Vietnamese Mossy Frog is another master of camouflage. Their coloring means that they blend in perfectly with the mossy floor where they live. Although they can be kept as pets, they are not recommended for new owners and experienced keepers need to research the exact habitat conditions they require to thrive.

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19. Waxy Monkey Frog

The Waxy Monkey Frog is named for its tree climbing and acrobatic prowess, as well as for its waxy finish. The species does not enjoy being handled but is relatively easy to care for which makes it a good choice as a beginner frog for those that want to watch their pet, rather than pick it up and handle it.

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20. Wood Frog

The Wood Frog is another species native to North America that is named for its camouflage capabilities. It is unique because it has developed the ability to freeze during the winter months and then thaw out when the weather warms up. Keepers do need to research the species, but it is considered a good pet frog because it is relatively easy to care for.

Do Frogs Make Good Pets?

Frogs can make good pets, but owners need to research the species they are getting and ensure that they provide good housing and conditions. Some frogs are arboreal, which means they live in trees in the wild, and they need taller tanks, rather than wider ones, for example. Some spend the vast majority of their time in water and may even be able to live with fish. And then there’s the question of whether a frog is toxic, in which case it should not be handled or only be handled with appropriate gloves on.

Do Frogs Like to Be Petted?

Rarely do frogs like to be petted. Some may tolerate being handled but even they won’t like to be stroked. Other species are very shy and will never enjoy being handled. These frogs are best kept for observation, rather than being picked up and petted.

Can Frogs Bond with Humans?

Frogs may bond with humans in their own way. For example, your frog might let you pick it up but shy away from being handled by others. However, frogs do not show affection in the way we expect, so you should never expect to cuddle or even stroke a pet frog, no matter how long you have had it or how close the bond between you seems to be. They are also not familial animals, in the wild, which means that most frogs choose to live a solitary life.

But, do research any species before taking one on, because this will determine the ideal social conditions for a frog, as well as the right habitat and living conditions.

Conclusion

Frogs can make good pets. They are intriguing animals and some have truly unique habits or features. However, while they don’t need walking or grooming like some other pets, they do need proper care to ensure that they live a long and fulfilled life. There are several thousand species of frogs in the world and we have covered just 20 of them. There are many others with their own unique characteristics.

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Featured Image Credit: agus fitriyanto suratno, Shutterstock