Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus)

Short answers

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

45×45×60 cm.

Common reed frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 19–22 °C.

Common reed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).

Common reed frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Common 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

19–22 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×45×60 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, reeds and narrow-leaved plants, a water section

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, micro crickets, small crickets

Feeding interval

daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

2,5–3,5 cm

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

Eastern and Central Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

A group (6-12 animals). Raise juveniles separately from adults. Not because they would be eaten - these animals are far too small for that - but because the larger ones reach food first and the small ones fall behind. Offer enough hiding spots so each animal can retreat, and feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

A brilliant yellow-and-black patterned reed frog. It changes colour markedly with the time of day. Small food (Drosophila) is essential.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Argus reed frog (Hyperolius argus) – 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 Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, reeds and narrow-leaved plants, a 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.