African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus)
Photo: Photo by David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Terrestrial frog

African bullfrog care guide

Pyxicephalus adspersus

Intermediate

The african bullfrog is a intermediate-level terrestrial frog from Southern and eastern Africa. Adults reach 15–24 cm and live 20–35 years in captivity. Gets very large. Always solitary.

  • Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 50–70%

How much does a african bullfrog cost in Canada?

Animal$50–120Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$580–990Enclosure $240–470 · equipment $110–240 · bioactive supplies ≈ $240
Yearly upkeep$150–350Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$780–1460All prices CAD, estimates

African bullfrog quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
15–24 cm
Lifespan
20–35 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Southern and eastern Africa
Minimum enclosure
90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Carnivore – roaches, earthworms, nightcrawlers, occasional mice
Bioactive style
Terrestrial amphibian

African bullfrog enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm

Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a african bullfrog eat?

Carnivore – roaches, earthworms, nightcrawlers, occasional mice. Feed adults weekly; juveniles every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Hands-off; strong, painful bite.

Health watch: Obesity, impaction and kidney problems from rodent-heavy diets.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove uneaten food.
  • Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top of the soil.

Recommended for a african bullfrog bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).

African bullfrog FAQ

Is the african bullfrog good for beginners?

The african bullfrog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off; strong, painful bite.

What size enclosure does a african bullfrog need?

At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a african bullfrog cost in Canada?

Typically $50–120 CAD to buy, about $580–990 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–350 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a african bullfrog need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a african bullfrog eat?

Carnivore – roaches, earthworms, nightcrawlers, occasional mice. Feed adults weekly; juveniles every 2–3 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.