Marbled reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)

Short answers

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

45×45×60 cm.

Marbled reed frog: What temperature does it need?

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

Marbled reed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).

Marbled reed frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Marbled 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, dense planting, reed stems, 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

Southern 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

Extremely variable in colour – hardly two animals look the same. It climbs on vertical stems and needs narrow climbing structures rather than thick branches. Very loud calls.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Marbled reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Argus reed frog (Hyperolius argus) – Intermediate
• Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) – Intermediate
• Water lily reed frog (Hyperolius pusillus) – Intermediate
• Spotted reed frog (Hyperolius puncticulatus) – 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 Marbled reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, dense planting, reed stems, 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.