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Pyxie
Frog (Pyxicephalus adspersus)
Pyxie frogs are a large
aggressive frog from sub
Saharan Africa. These frogs
grow very large and can
reach 9 inches long and
weigh up to 3 pounds. Pyxie
frogs live in some of the
harshest environments and
can survive underground
without food and water for
several years. Every year
when the rains begin, the
frogs emerge from ground and
begin to eat. Pyxie frogs
eat anything they can
overpower and fit into their
mouth. Pyxie frogs will
also eat their own kind and
this includes their young.
Male Pyxie frogs are larger
than females and have a
yellowish–orange belly and
throat. Females are usually
a lighter green and have a
white belly and throat.
Females usually breed with
the largest males and lay up
to 4000 eggs. The eggs
hatch within 2 days and
become froglets in less than
19 days. The male Pyxie
will watch over his young
and sometimes dig channels
to help water get to their
pool, if theirs starts to
dry. However, the male
will eat some of his young
while he protects them.
Pyxie frogs are long lived
and with proper care, can
live for over 40 years.
Temperature
Pyxie frogs need to be
maintained between 80-85
degrees during the day.
Nighttime temperatures
should range between 68-75
degrees.
Housing
Pyxie frogs can be housed
comfortably in 10-29 gallon
terrariums. The cage can be
filled with shallow water or
it can be setup with damp
potting soil and a large
water bowl. Never place a
cage near a window where
sunlight can directly shine
on your cage. Cages placed
in direct sunlight can
easily overheat and
ultimately lead to the death
of your frog. We recommend
that you keep Pyxie frogs
separately; larger
individuals can eat smaller
frogs.
Bedding
We recommend using gravel
when your cage is filled
with shallow water. Another
alternative is using Zoo
Meds’ Eco Earth and green
moss. Make sure when using
Eco Earth that the bedding
stays moist at all times.
Food
Pyxie frogs should be fed
appropriate sized crickets,
superworms, nightcrawlers,
fish, and rodents. It is
best to feed your frog dead
rodents to prevent bites or
injury. Young frogs can be
fed 2-3 times each week and
adults should eat every 1-2
weeks.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month and
fresh clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Pyxie frogs can be
handled on a daily basis and
always wash your hands
before and after handling
them.