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Care Sheet: Asian Bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra)

Common Name: Asian Bullfrog, Malaysian Narrow-mouthed Toad, Indian Bullfrog, Painted Bullfrog, Chubby Frog.

Scientific Name: Kaloula pulchra.

Distribution: Tropical Rainforests of South-East Asia.

Size: 8cm.

Colouration: Dark brown with yellowish brown head & dorso-lateral bands.

Sexing: Males show a black granular vocal sac.

Requirements: A 15-gallon tank would be ideal for a group of 2-3 adults. They require a fosorial type set up with a deep (20cm) substrate of either topsoil or coco-humus topped with live moss. The tank can be furnished with a selection of logs, cork bark. These items should be arranged in such a way that they provide a number of climbing and 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 which will need changing daily so as to avoid the risk of ammonia and bacteria building up in the water. The enclosure will need to be heated to a constant temperature of 24-28°C. This can be done using an under tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. Spot bulbs / heat lamps are not recommended for use with amphibians and so a fluorescent UVB 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. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile safe disinfectant.

Feeding: Young Frogs should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including small crickets, whiteworms and tropical woodlice. These food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Frogs will take larger insects including crickets, earthworms, waxworms, and caterpillars. They should be fed every two-three days and the insects dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements once a week.