Amphibian · Aquatic frog
Budgett's frog care guide
Lepidobatrachus laevis
The budgett's frog is a intermediate-level aquatic frog from Gran Chaco: Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia. Adults reach 8–12 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Mostly aquatic: shallow water section about chin depth with a small land area. Always solitary.
- Enclosure 60 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp Water 24–28°C
- Humidity Not critical (aquatic)
How much does a budgett's frog cost in Canada?
Budgett's frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 8–12 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Gran Chaco: Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 14 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Water 24–28°C
- Humidity
- Not critical (aquatic)
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Carnivore – fish, earthworms, roaches, frog pellets
- Bioactive style
- Semi-aquatic (paludarium)
Budgett's frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-aquatic (paludarium) bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Quantities assume about half the floor is land. The water half needs a filter and regular partial water changes.
Temperature: Water 24–28°C. Humidity: Not critical (aquatic). UVB: Not needed.
What does a budgett's frog eat?
Carnivore – fish, earthworms, roaches, frog pellets. Feed adults every 3–5 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off; screams and bites hard.
Health watch: Obesity and skin infections in dirty water.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check water and air temperature; feed according to species.
Weekly
- Change 20–30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
- Rinse filter sponge in old tank water (never tap water) as needed.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter on land; prune plants at the waterline.
Yearly
- Service the pump/filter fully.
Recommended for a budgett's frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 30 × 30 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Malaysian Drift Wood
Bridges water and land; easy exit from the water
Cork Bark Flats
Shelter on the land section
Budgett's frog FAQ
Is the budgett's frog good for beginners?
The budgett's frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off; screams and bites hard.
What size enclosure does a budgett's frog need?
At least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (about 24 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 14 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a budgett's frog cost in Canada?
Typically $60–120 CAD to buy, about $330–610 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a budgett's frog need?
Temperature: Water 24–28°C. Humidity: Not critical (aquatic).
What does a budgett's frog eat?
Carnivore – fish, earthworms, roaches, frog pellets. Feed adults every 3–5 days.
Similar species
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.