Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis) (origin: The Gran Chaco (Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia)). Adult size around 9–13 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Budgett's frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×40×30 cm aquarium, shallow.
Budgett's frog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot needed, at night 20–23 °C.
Budgett's frog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Budgett's frog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Budgett's frog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot needed
- Humidity
- Aquatic
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×40×30 cm aquarium, shallow
- Substrate
- Water 10–15 cm deep, fine sand, places to hide
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, fish, occasionally nestlings
- Feeding interval
- adults 1–2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 9–13 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- The Gran Chaco (Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia)
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A dry rest is possible (aestivation in a cocoon)
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is mandatory. Budgett's frogs eat each other whenever the opportunity arises, both as juveniles and adults. For mating, male and female are introduced only briefly and under observation.
Notes
Almost entirely aquatic, with a wide mouth and teeth – it bites hard and is decidedly cannibalistic. In dry conditions it forms a cocoon and aestivates.
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Related species
- Llanos frog (Lepidobatrachus llanensis) – Intermediate
- African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) – Beginner to intermediate
- Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) – Intermediate
- Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) – 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
What you need to start
To keep Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×30 cm aquarium, shallow), substrate (Water 10–15 cm deep, fine sand, places to hide), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidobatrachus_laevis, https://joshsfrogs.com/cms/caring-for-your-buddgetts-frog-lepidobatrachus-laevis
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).