Water lily reed frog (Hyperolius pusillus)

Short answers

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

50×40×50 cm for a group, planted.

Water lily reed frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot — direct heat is harmful, at night 19–22 °C.

Water lily reed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0).

Water lily reed frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Water lily 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 — direct heat is harmful

Humidity

80–95 %

UVB

Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

50×40×50 cm for a group, 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

1,5–2,2 cm

Life expectancy

5–10 years

Origin

South-eastern Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest

Cohabitation

A group. 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

Tiny and almost transparent. It spawns between floating leaves — floating plants are 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 Water lily reed frog (Hyperolius pusillus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Argus reed frog (Hyperolius argus) – Intermediate
• Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) – 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 Water lily reed frog (Hyperolius pusillus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×40×50 cm for a group, 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.