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Care Sheet: African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus)
Common
Name: African Bullfrog, Tschudi's Bullfrog, Pyxie, and
South African Pyxie.
Scientific Name: Pyxicephalus adspersus.
Distribution: Africa south of the equator.
Size: Males can attain a Snout-to-Vent length of 8-10", females often only achieve 5-6".
Sexing: The males of this species are the larger of the sexes, and the skin on their throat is normally a mottled yellow color.
Requirements: These frogs are large individuals who show cannibalistic tendencies and therefore should be housed alone in a large terrarium, a 20-gallon tank would be adequate for a single adult. They require a savanna type set-up with a deep substrate of bark chips, sandy topsoil, and moss. Pieces of cork bark can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A large shallow water bowl (no deeper than the frogs nostrils) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The water will need to be changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. The tank will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 25-28°C with a drop at night to room temperature this can be done with an under-tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. It is not advisable to use spot / heat lamps with amphibians and so a separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube. Once every two weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilized using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Pyxies should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including waxworm, and earthworms, well grown juveniles may also be fed pinkies. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Pyxies should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of earthworms, adult locusts, cockroaches, super giant mealworm, beetles and suitably sized rodents. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.