American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Short answers

American bullfrog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

An aqua-paludarium from approx. 150×60×60 cm for one animal, water at least 30 cm deep (they need a lot of space).

American bullfrog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

American bullfrog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential; weak lighting or UVB recommended.

American bullfrog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 7–10 years (individuals up to 15+).

American bullfrog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–90 %

UVB

UVB not essential; weak lighting or UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

an aqua-paludarium from approx. 150×60×60 cm for one animal, water at least 30 cm deep (they need a lot of space)

Substrate

Semi-aquatic: a large water section plus a land section; soil or gravel on land, dense bank vegetation

Feeding

Food

Insects, earthworms, fish, small vertebrates – it eats anything that fits in its mouth

Feeding interval

adults 1–2×/week, juveniles noticeably more often

Key facts

Adult size

up to approx. 20 cm SVL (females), up to ~800 g; males smaller

Life expectancy

approx. 7–10 years (individuals up to 15+)

Origin

North America (the USA, Canada); introduced as an invasive species to Europe, Asia and South America

Protection status

CAUTION: Generally PROHIBITED in the EU – listed on the Union list of invasive species (EU Regulation 1143/2014). Keeping, breeding, trading, transporting and releasing it are all forbidden. Only animals held before the listing are grandfathered (escape-proof, no breeding, until they die naturally). NO new acquisitions.

Brumation

In their temperate native climate an overwintering or winter rest (cool) is possible; for EU keepers this is practically irrelevant, as new acquisitions are prohibited anyway

Cohabitation

Single keeping. The bullfrog is an ambush hunter that eats conspecifics and other frogs; cannibalism is documented, and males defend shoreline stretches against rivals. Keeping with others is out of the question. Note: new acquisition is banned in the EU (Union list of invasive species).

Notes

The most important point: keeping it is banned in the EU (an invasive species on the Union list) – do not acquire or import it. Very large, extremely voracious, loud callers, with a high space and water requirement. Ecologically dangerous as a neozoon; release is strictly prohibited.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) – Beginner to intermediate
• Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) – Intermediate
• Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) – Intermediate
• Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis) – Intermediate
• Caatinga horned frog (Ceratophrys joazeirensis) – Intermediate
• Chaco dwarf frog (Chacophrys pierottii) – Intermediate
• Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) – Beginner
• Edible bullfrog (Pyxicephalus edulis) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aqua-paludarium from approx. 150×60×60 cm for one animal, water at least 30 cm deep (they need a lot of space)), substrate (Semi-aquatic: a large water section plus a land section; soil or gravel on land, dense bank vegetation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.