Argus reed frog (Hyperolius argus)

Short answers

Argus reed frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×60 cm for a group of 3–5 animals (a paludarium with a land and a shallow water area, densely planted).

Argus reed frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot — direct heat is harmful, at night 20–22 °C.

Argus reed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0).

Argus reed frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Argus reed frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

23–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot — direct heat is harmful

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×60 cm for a group of 3–5 animals (a paludarium with a land and a shallow water area, densely planted)

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with a drainage layer, moss, leaf litter and a shallow water section

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, fruit flies and firebrats, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

2,5–3,5 cm

Life expectancy

5–10 years

Origin

East Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat drier in winter

Cohabitation

Group housing possible. Raise juveniles separately from adults. Not because they would be eaten — these animals are far too small for that — but because the larger ones get to the food first and the smaller ones fall behind. Provide enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed separately if there is a size difference.

Notes

Male and female are completely different in colour — they are often taken for two species.

Do you keep this species?

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

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Related species

• Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) – Intermediate
• Water lily reed frog (Hyperolius pusillus) – Intermediate
• Spotted reed frog (Hyperolius puncticulatus) – Intermediate
• Marbled reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus) – Intermediate
• Tinker reed frog (Hyperolius tuberilinguis) – Intermediate
• Yellow-spotted tree frog (Leptopelis flavomaculatus) – Intermediate
• Greater leaf-folding frog (Afrixalus fornasini) – Intermediate
• Red-legged running frog (Kassina maculata) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Argus reed frog (Hyperolius argus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm for a group of 3–5 animals (a paludarium with a land and a shallow water area, densely planted)), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with a drainage layer, moss, leaf litter and a shallow water section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.