The 7 Best Frogs To Keep as Pets

• Scientific name: Ceratophrys ornata
• Average size: 4-7 inches
• Average life expectancy: 4-6 years

Another terrestrial frog species, Argentine horned frogs are nicknamed Pacman frogs after the arcade game character known for its large mouth. They have a round body and come in an array of attractive color morphs like strawberry or chocolate-mint. Because they’re a relatively sedentary species, Pacman frogs don’t require very large enclosures despite their size. Pacman frogs are predatory amphibians, however, and have been known to bite anything that looks like prey. They may not be appropriate for handling.

• Scientific name: Pyxicephalus adspersus
• Average size: 4-10 inches
• Average life expectancy: Up to 40 years

Even larger than the Pacman frog, the African bullfrog goes by a deceiving nickname—pixie frog. These frogs are green in color with a yellow, orange, or beige belly. Adult pixie frogs require at least a 30-gallon tank with areas of both dry land and fresh water. Because they like to burrow, these frogs should be given a container of dirt inside their enclosure as well. Some pixie frogs tolerate handling but may bite when stressed. They’re one of the frog species with toothlike structures, so African bullfrogs may not be appropriate for children.

• Scientific name: Dryophytes versicolor / Hyla versicolor
• Average size: 1-2 inches
• Average life expectancy: 7-9 years

Native to the United States and Canada, the gray tree frog is a small, arboreal (tree) frog species. They can change color in response to their environment, ranging from gray to green to brown with blotchy patches that look like lichen. Unlike tropical tree frogs, the gray tree frog doesn’t require high temperatures or humidity levels. This species is best kept in a glass terrarium with moist substrate and plenty of things to climb. These frogs can also benefit from UVB lighting to help them synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.

• Scientific name: Hyla cinerea
• Average size: 1-2.5 inches
• Average life expectancy: up to 6 years

Named for their bright green color, these tree frogs are native to the southeastern United States. American green tree frogs stay fairly small and are generally easy to care for. They’re not picky about temperature, as long as their habitat doesn’t drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A misting system or fogger is required, however, to maintain proper humidity levels. Though docile by nature, this species is timid and their delicate skin can be damaged by rough or frequent handling.

6Tomato Frog

• Scientific name: Dyscophus antongilii, D. insularis or D. guineti
• Average size: 2.5-4 inches
• Average life expectancy: 6 years

The name tomato frog applies to three different species of frogs in the genus Dyscophus. Typically bright red in color, tomato frogs are known to inflate themselves when they feel threatened, which makes it difficult for predators to swallow them. Though they aren’t aquatic frogs, tomato frogs need a water bowl in their terrarium as well as substrate deep enough to burrow in. Tomato frogs spend much of their time burrowed and don’t like being handled.

7African Dwarf Frog/Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frog

• Scientific name: Hymenochirus boettgeri
• Average size: 1-1.5 inches
• Average life expectancy: 5 years

Native to Africa, this small, aquatic frog species is typically brown or slightly green in color with dark spots. African dwarf frogs have similar care requirements to the typical tropical freshwater aquarium. They’re small, active, and relatively easy to care for, but should not be handled. Feeding may be a challenge, however, as many will not accept flaked food or pellets. Rather, African dwarf frogs require a diet of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, tubifex worms, and brine shrimp.