Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

Short answers

Marsh frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

A garden pond or a 150×60 cm aqua-terrarium.

Marsh frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 15–26 °C, basking spot Basking spot on the bank, at night 8–16 °C.

Marsh frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential when kept indoors (UVB 5.0).

Marsh frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Marsh frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

15–26 °C

Night temperature

8–16 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot on the bank

Humidity

Aqua-terrarium / garden pond

UVB

Essential when kept indoors (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

a garden pond or a 150×60 cm aqua-terrarium

Substrate

A large, deep water section, a shallow bank, reeds

Feeding

Food

Insects, earthworms, fish, small frogs

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

9–17 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Eastern and south-eastern Europe, the Near East; naturalised in many parts of central Europe

Protection status

Specially protected (BArtSchV); non-native populations are considered problematic - never release. From 5 June 2027 it will be listed in EU Annex B (CITES II): a proof-of-origin requirement will then apply. Anyone planning captive breeding now should already be able to document the origin of their animals today.

Brumation

A winter rest of 12–16 weeks

Cohabitation

Keeping singly is safest, because marsh frogs eat smaller conspecifics. Groups only of animals of equal size, in a large body of water with many hides so each animal can get out of the way.

Notes

Europe's largest frog and decidedly predatory – it eats smaller animals of its own kind too. Only put together animals of the same size. It needs plenty of water volume.

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

• Edible frog (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) – Intermediate
• Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) – Intermediate
• African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) – Beginner
• Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) – Beginner
• Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) – Expert
• Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) – Intermediate
• Dwarf clawed frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) – Beginner
• Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a garden pond or a 150×60 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (A large, deep water section, a shallow bank, reeds), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.