Scientific Name: Hemisus marmoratus.
Common Names: Mottled Shovel-nosed Frog, Marbled Snout-burrower, Pig-nosed Frog, Mottled Burrowing Frog, .
Distribution: Subsaharan Africa.
Size: 2.5-5cm.
Colouration: Grey-brown with olive to yellow-brown marbling, some individuals show an olive to yellow-brown vertebral stripe.
Requirements: An 18x12x12” tank would be ideal for a group of 2-3 adults. They require a fosorial type set up with a deep (10-20cm) substrate of moist topsoil or coco humus. The tank can be furnished with a selection of logs, rocks & cork bark. These items should be arranged in such a way that they provide a number of additional hiding areas for the frogs. A shallow water bowl (no deeper than the frog's height at rest) should be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The enclosure will need to be heated to a temperature of 25-26°C with a slight drop at night. This can be done using a heat-mat mounted on the side of the terrarium and controlled by a thermostat. Spot bulbs / heat lamps are not recommended for use with amphibians and so a fluorescent tube should be provided as a light source. The tank should be visually inspected daily and any soiled items should be removed, cleaned and replaced, if this is done at the same time as changing the water it will cause less disturbance to the frogs.
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: In the wild these frogs eat a staple of ants and it can be difficult to provide these as a diet in the UK, it may be possible to convert them onto fruitflies or hatchling crickets. They should be fed every two-three days and the insects dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements once a week.
