Amphibians
Pixie frog (African bullfrog) care guide
Pyxicephalus adspersus
A huge, burrowing ambush-predator frog. Males can reach 8–9 in. It needs deep substrate, a large water dish and careful feeding.
Fossorial — deep substrate for burrowing
Pixie frog (African bullfrog) enclosure size
Fossorial — deep substrate for burrowing. An adult pixie frog (african bullfrog) should live in at least 30" L × 12" W × 12" H; we build toward 36" L × 18" W × 16" H (3 × 1.5 × 1.3 ft, roughly 4.5 sq ft of floor and about a 45-gallon glass equivalent).
Adults need at least 20–40 gallons of floor space.
- Hatchling / baby
- 16" L × 8" W × 10" H recommended · min 12" L × 8" W × 8" H
- Juvenile
- 24" L × 12" W × 12" H recommended · min 20" L × 10" W × 12" H
- Adult
- 36" L × 18" W × 16" H recommended · min 30" L × 12" W × 12" H
Temperature and heating
Under-tank heat mat on part of the floor, on a thermostat.
- Basking / warm surface
- No basking spot
- Warm side (ambient)
- 78–82°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 72–76°F
- Night
- 70–75°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: Low UVB (2–5%) is beneficial. Run lights on a 12 hours on, 12 hours off photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 60–80%. Damp substrate, a large shallow water dish changed daily, and light misting.
Substrate and depth
Coco fiber or topsoil mix. Depth: 3–5 in for burrowing.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Large shallow water dish
- Cork bark
- Plants
Build list
- Digital hygrometer + thermometer — Read humidity and temperature instead of guessing.
- Water conditioner / RO water — Chlorine and chloramine burn permeable skin.
Pixie frog (African bullfrog) FAQ
How big should an adult Pixie frog (African bullfrog) enclosure be?
At least 30" L × 12" W × 12" H, and we recommend building to 36" L × 18" W × 16" H — about 3 × 1.5 × 1.3 ft, or a 45-gallon glass equivalent. Fossorial — deep substrate for burrowing.
What temperatures does a Pixie frog (African bullfrog) need?
Basking or warm surface No basking spot, warm side 78–82°F, cool side 72–76°F, night 70–75°F. Under-tank heat mat on part of the floor, on a thermostat.
Does a Pixie frog (African bullfrog) need UVB?
Low UVB (2–5%) is beneficial. Photoperiod: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
What humidity does a Pixie frog (African bullfrog) need?
60–80%. Damp substrate, a large shallow water dish changed daily, and light misting.
What substrate is best for a Pixie frog (African bullfrog)?
Coco fiber or topsoil mix, at a depth of 3–5 in for burrowing.
How big does a Pixie frog (African bullfrog) enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 16" L × 8" W × 10" H recommended, minimum 12" L × 8" W × 8" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Is there anything to be careful about when keeping a Pixie frog (African bullfrog)?
Bites hard — use tongs to feed. Don't overfeed rodents, which leads to obesity. Keep one per enclosure.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own pixie frog (african bullfrog) record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.