Fun Facts About Frogs and Why They Make Great Pets

1. Frogs have teeth.

To help them eat their prey, many common frog species have teeth on the upper part of their jaw.

2. You can tell the gender of a frog by their ears.

Among most frog species, the markings on a male frog’s ears are larger than a female’s ears.

3. There are over 6,000 different known species of frogs.

Of all the different kinds of hoppers, we recommend the following pet frogs for beginners: Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Tomato Frogs, White’s Tree Frogs, Pacman Frogs and Green Tree Frogs.

4. Technically speaking, frogs are carnivores.

They usually eat insects like crickets, grasshoppers and mealworms. How much your pet frog eats varies by species. In general, adults (over 16 weeks old) eat five to seven insects a couple times a week. And some species of larger frogs will eat small rodents.

5. Some frog species eat other smaller frogs.

These types of frogs tend to be of the bigger, more wild variety that most people don’t keep as pets but yes, it happens.

6. All toads are frogs.

But not all frogs are toads. A toad is a version (i.e., sub-classification) of a frog that has short legs and dry, hard-looking skin.

7. Frogs in captivity can live more than 20 years.

With so many types of frogs, it’s hard to define an average life span. The most common species tend to live up to 20 years in captivity and on a few occasions, sometimes longer. Something to consider if you’re thinking about a pet frog.

8. Frogs shed their skin and eat what they shed.

They know a good source of protein when they taste one. In fact, frogs push their skin towards their mouth when they shed to make it easier to consume.

9. Instead of their mouth, frogs drink water through their skin.

For this reason, a frog tank should have a dedicated bowl filled with water treated with dechlorinating drops. Tap water can be toxic to pet frogs.

10. Frogs close their eyes when they eat.

Not because they’re self-conscious. Closing their eyes helps frogs push food down their throat.

11. Most frogs are able to jump 20 times their height.

Their long, powerful legs give most frog species super jumping abilities. That’s why you need a secure screen cover for the top of your frog tank. Because of their shorter legs, toads cannot jump to such great heights.

12. Frogs do scream.

Some species of frogs make a screaming sound as a defense mechanism, distress call, mating call and even to mark their territory.

13. Frogs are able to breathe underwater.

They can absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin tissue. But when oxygen levels get too low, they have to come up for air. Furthermore, they can drown if their lungs get filled up with water. How long they can stay underwater varies by species.

14. Frogs live nearly everywhere.

They’re found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. Maybe your home will be next on that list.

One final thing.

If or when you’re ready to get a pet frog, visit your local Pet Supplies Plus. From terrariums and décor to live insects* and the frogs* themselves, we have everything you need in one store. And that’s a fact.

*Live animals available at select Pet Supplies Plus stores.