The eastern banjo frog or pobblebonk (Limnodynastes dumerilii) is a large, round burrowing ground frog famous for its short, resonant 'bonk' call. Adults reach around 8cm. They are hardy and long-lived but spend much of their time buried.
Housing
Provide floor space rather than height, with a deep, moist substrate they can burrow into, plus hides and a shallow water dish. A waterproof, escape-proof terrarium of 45cm or larger suits one to a few adults.
Temperature
A temperate species comfortable around 10-25C; protect from extremes and avoid sustained cold below 10C. Heating is usually unnecessary in mild conditions.
Lighting
UVB is not essential, though a low-level globe helps if keeping live plants. An 8-12 hour light cycle is fine.
Water
Dechlorinate tap water (e.g. Repti Safe), change up to 50% at a time and keep the water clean; provide easy exits.
Feeding
A robust eater - offer varied live insects, including larger crickets, woodies and worms, dusted with calcium/multivitamin about half the feeds. Juveniles daily; adults 2-3 times a week.
Breeding
Eastern banjo frogs breed seasonally after rain; heavy misting or flooding part of the enclosure can simulate this. Males call from water and the female lays a floating foam egg mass; the tadpoles are raised in clean, well-oxygenated water and can take several months to metamorphose, as pobblebonk tadpoles grow large.
Overview
Large, round and reaching around 8cm, the eastern banjo frog or pobblebonk is a hardy, long-lived burrowing ground frog famous for its resonant 'bonk' call. Provide deep, moist substrate to burrow in, a shallow water dish, and dechlorinated water. In Queensland a licence is required to keep frogs.
The team at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium can help you set up the right frog enclosure, lighting and water treatment.
Recommended products
Set your frog up with gear from Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium: terrariums, low-level UVB lighting, substrate & plants, water conditioner, heating (if needed), live feeders and calcium & supplements. A licence is required in Queensland to keep frogs - see our QLD licence guide.
