The spotted marsh frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) is a hardy, widely kept ground frog found across much of eastern and southern Australia. Adults reach around 40-50mm and can live well beyond 5 years. The albino form is a popular captive-bred favourite.
Housing
Use any waterproof, escape-proof, well-ventilated enclosure. These are ground frogs that like to sit in moist substrate, so floor space matters more than height - a 45cm or larger terrarium is ideal. Keep the base moist with a good water supply.
Temperature
Keep indoors away from temperature extremes. No heating is usually required; the ideal range is about 10-25C, with gentle heat only if it drops below 10C.
Lighting
UVB is not essential for this species, though a low-level globe is useful if you keep live plants. An 8-hour light cycle works well.
Water
Dechlorinate tap water (e.g. Repti Safe), change up to 50% at a time, keep it clean and provide easy exits from the water.
Feeding
Offer varied live insects - crickets, woodies, flies, moths - dusted with calcium/multivitamin about half the feeds. Juveniles daily (food always available); adults 2-3 times a week.
Breeding
Spotted marsh frogs breed readily, triggered by rain and cooler conditions; heavy misting or flooding part of the enclosure can simulate this. They lay floating foam egg masses in water, and the tadpoles are raised in clean, well-oxygenated water before metamorphosing into froglets over several weeks.
Overview
Hardy, widely kept and reaching around 40-50mm, the spotted marsh frog is a great ground frog that can live well beyond 5 years, with the albino form a popular captive-bred favourite. Keep the base moist, provide a good water supply, and dechlorinate their 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.
