Frogs have become increasingly popular as pets, and there are plenty of frogs you can keep in small tanks that thrive just as well as their larger counterparts. These fascinating creatures come in all shapes and sizes, with some needing only 5 gallons of space while others require up to 20 gallons to stay healthy and happy.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned frog owner, this guide explores 9 species and the tank sizes they need. From tiny tree frogs to colorful toads, there’s a perfect pet frog for every space and skill level.
Frogs for 5-Gallon Tanks
1. Fire-bellied toad
- Scientific name: Bombina orientalis
- Appearance: Greenish with orange and brown belly
- Diet: Worms, crickets, spiders
Fire-bellied toads have colorful appearances and make great additions to a small aquarium. With their gentle temperament, they’re easy to handle and care for, making them ideal for beginner frog owners.
These toads are even recommended as pets for children. They are small enough to thrive in a five-gallon tank, and two or three can live together comfortably. In larger tanks, you can house even more of these sociable animals. Their diet includes a variety of insects and supplements to keep them healthy.
2. African dwarf frog
- Scientific name: Hymenochirus boettgeri
- Appearance: Brownish-gray with webbed feet
- Diet: Bloodworms, brine shrimp
African dwarf frogs are fully aquatic amphibians that are perfect for small tanks. A 5-gallon tank provides enough space for one or two frogs to swim and thrive. They’re active swimmers and love exploring their environment, so clean water and good filtration are essential for their health.
These frogs are easy to care for and ideal for beginners. Their diet includes live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, mimicking what they eat in the wild. Due to their peaceful nature, African dwarf frogs can also share a tank with other small, non-aggressive aquatic creatures.
3. Clown tree frog
- Scientific name: Dendropsophus leucophyllatus
- Appearance: Orangish-white with large eyes
- Diet: Flies, crickets
Clown tree frogs are tropical pets that thrive in small tanks as long as the setup meets their needs. A five-gallon tank can house one frog if it includes hiding spots, climbing branches, and a shallow water source for submersion.
These frogs are primarily climbers, so a taller tank works best for them. Their diet consists of live insects like flies, crickets, and worms. While they are a delight to observe, clown tree frogs are delicate and not ideal for handling.
Frogs for 10-Gallon Tanks
4. Red-eyed tree frog
- Scientific name: Agalychnis callidryas
- Appearance: Green with large red eyes
- Diet: Crickets, flies
Red-eyed tree frogs are one of the most iconic frog species, easily recognizable by their bright green bodies and vivid red eyes. Adults grow to around two to three inches, making them a great fit for a 10-gallon tank.
These frogs are arboreal and need a taller tank with plenty of vertical climbing space. Add branches, plants, and a shallow water dish to mimic their natural habitat. They thrive on a diet of live insects such as crickets and flies and are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners.
5. Green-and-black poison dart frog
- Scientific name: Dendrobates auratus
- Appearance: Black with green, metallic-like patterns
- Diet: Fruit flies, small crickets
Green-and-black poison dart frogs are a favorite among amphibian enthusiasts for their striking colors and active behavior. While they’re famous for their toxicity in the wild, captive-bred dart frogs are non-toxic and completely safe to keep as pets.
A 10-gallon tank provides plenty of space for one or two frogs, as long as the setup mimics their natural rainforest environment. They thrive in humid, heavily planted enclosures and enjoy a diet of small insects like fruit flies and pinhead crickets. Their bright colors and low-maintenance care make them a great choice for beginners.
6. American green tree frog
- Scientific name: Hyla cinerea
- Appearance: Light green with a lighter underbelly
- Diet: Crickets, spiders, flies
American green tree frogs are a classic choice for frog enthusiasts and are often found across North America. Their bright green color and active climbing behavior make them a joy to watch. Adults grow up to three inches and do well in a 10-gallon tank with vertical space.
To keep them happy, provide branches, plants, and a secure tank lid. They enjoy live insects such as flies, crickets, and spiders. These frogs are easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Frogs for 15-Gallon Tanks
7. White’s tree frog
- Scientific name: Litoria caerulea
- Appearance: Dark to light green with a smooth, rounded body
- Diet: Moths, spiders, roaches
White’s tree frogs are known for their friendly nature and adaptability, making them a favorite among frog owners. These larger frogs need a 15-gallon tank to provide enough space for climbing and exploring.
Native to Australia, they thrive in setups with plenty of branches, plants, and a shallow water source. They enjoy live insects such as moths, spiders, and roaches. Due to their calm demeanor, they tolerate gentle handling better than many other species.
Frogs for 20-Gallon Tanks
8. Pacman frog
- Scientific name: Ceratophrys cranwelli
- Appearance: Dark green with brown or black markings
- Diet: Worms, crickets, roaches
Pacman frogs, also called ornate horned frogs, are one of the largest pet frog species, growing up to 8 inches in size. Their sedentary lifestyle means they don’t need as much vertical space, but a 20-gallon tank provides plenty of room for their bulk.
They require a substrate like moist coconut fiber to burrow into, as they spend most of their time hiding. These frogs are hearty eaters, enjoying a diet of worms, crickets, roaches, and occasional small vertebrates like pinkie mice.
9. African bullfrog
- Scientific name: Pyxicephalus adspersus
- Appearance: Greenish-brown with a robust, round body
- Diet: Insects, small mammals, amphibians
The African bullfrog, also known as the pixie frog, is a massive amphibian that thrives in a spacious 20-gallon tank or larger. These frogs are known for their voracious appetites and can eat a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, and even other amphibians.
While they’re fascinating to observe, African bullfrogs are not ideal for frequent handling. Their tanks should include a deep substrate for burrowing and a water area for soaking. Despite their size, they’re relatively low-maintenance and a great option for experienced frog owners.
Conclusion
Even if you only have a small tank, there are plenty of frogs you can keep as pets. From the vibrant fire-bellied toad to the hefty Pacman frog, these fascinating amphibians can thrive in tanks ranging from 5 to 20 gallons with proper care and attention. Each species has its own unique needs, so research your chosen frog thoroughly to ensure you provide the best environment.
Before purchasing any frog, be sure to check your local laws and regulations. Some species may require permits or be restricted due to ecological concerns or invasive species laws. Always choose captive-bred frogs from reputable breeders to support ethical practices and help prevent the spread of amphibian diseases like chytrid fungus.
With the right setup and care, pet frogs can be a rewarding and low-maintenance addition to your home. Which one will you pick for your tank?
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