Scientific Name: Pyxicephalus adspersus
Common Names: African Bullfrog, Tschudi's Bullfrog, Pyxie, South African Pyxie, Gaint African Bullfrog.
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 tank with a floor space of 24x18" would be adequate for a single adult female, or a floor space of 36x18" for a male. They require a savanna type set-up with a deep substrate of sandy soil in which to burrow. Pieces of cork bark can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A large shallow water bowl must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The tank will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 25-28°C with a drop at night to 20-22°C this can be done with a heat-mat positioned on the side of the enclosure and 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 tube, UVB lighting is not essential with a well supplemented diet but can be provided if you wish to do so.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Pyxies should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, locusts, waxworm, and earthworms, well grown juveniles may also be fed occasional 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 large earthworms, adult locusts, cockroaches, super giant mealworm, and occasionaly suitably sized rodents, fish or chicks. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
