Description: Related to the horned frogs (Ceratophrys species), these strange looking, slow moving, mostly aquatic frogs are originally from Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Good swimmers but lousy jumpers that are clumsy on land, they inhabit ponds and other water bodies in semi-arid regions that usually dry up seasonally. When this happens, they burrow deep into the mud and secrete a cocoon to sleep in until the next rainy season. Captive-bred specimens are available and although juveniles are a dull color, the adults are a nice olive-green with darker splotches. These frogs have eyes with diamond shaped pupils and are active during the daytime. With undersized limbs, a wide, flat body, very large head with a wide grin on the face plus the fact that they will not hesitate to bite hard, these aggressive frogs have earned the name "Freddie Kruger". They are easier (and safer) to move using a net rather than by hand. Voracious predators that will try to eat anything that moves, they are best kept singly but same sized adults may live together. Juveniles need to be separated to prevent cannibalism or choking deaths from trying to eat a sibling that is too large. Adult females can reach about 5½" in size with males being a little smaller and the life span can be more than 10 years.
A closely related species known as the Dwarf Budgett's frog (L. llanensis) is also available. It grows to about 2½" with males being a little smaller. Other than the size difference, they can be distinguished by their elliptical pupils and bumpy skin. A naturally occurring, intermediately sized hybrid, called L. asper, is sometimes seen. The care of all of these frogs is almost identical.

Temperature: 72° to 84°F during the day with a small drop at night.

Humidity: Not important.

Lighting: Fluorescent grow lights may be needed if live plants are to be included in the habitat. Use a timer to provide a 12-hour day cycle.

Feeding: Large crickets, mealworms and other insects, earthworms, fish and other aquatic creatures, pinkie mice and other small animals. It is best to feed many of these prey items pre-killed using forceps or long tweezers as they are not terrestrial hunters. These frogs may be prone to metabolic bone disease, especially juveniles. A good calcium supplement is essential, adults should get it at least once a week and young frogs need it 2 or 3 times a week, even more often for tiny froglets. A vitamin supplement should be given occasionally also.

Habitat: A 10-gallon tank will work but a larger size is better. An aqua-vivarium is the most attractive setup for these frogs. Adding some plants, both aquatic and terrestrial, will enhance the environment and allow them places to rest and take shelter. The water portion should have a deep end of about 5", sloping up to the land area with easy access to leave the water. They will burrow so precautions need to be taken to prevent the plants from being uprooted. Any large décor or rocks must be situated so that tunneling accidents will be prevented.
Budgett’s frogs will also thrive in a completely aquatic habitat. Provide a deep end that slopes up to a shallow end but do not use aquarium gravel or small stones. These are very aggressive feeders that routinely ingest non-food items in their frenzy. Only smooth rocks or other items that are too large to be eaten should be used in the tank.
A sparsely decorated setup with minimal furnishings can also work quite well.
Regardless or the type of setup, water quality must be maintained. Even if a filter is used, the habitat must still be cleaned and the water changed on a regular basis. These are large frogs that produce a lot of waste that will quickly pollute the water and overwhelm most filters.
It is best to house one frog per enclosure but if 2 or more are kept together, make sure that they are the same size and have plenty of room.

Seasonal Variation: In the wild, aestivation often lasts for up to 9 months. The active time for them is the rainy season that only lasts from November to January. It is thought that captive individuals live longer if aestivated for at least a few months a year. This is also usually necessary to get them interested in breeding.
Stop feeding altogether for several days or more prior to aestivation to allow them a chance to eliminate all waste in the gut. Remove their water and place them on a deep, fairly dry substrate to burrow into. After an appropriate time interval, wet the enclosure down thoroughly and refill their water and they should emerge.

Sexing: Adult males are smaller and have a dark throat, females have a grayish or whitish throat.

Breeding: Breeding may be spontaneous after aestivation if you have a pair. Females are capable of breeding when they are about one year old but it is better if she is 2 years old. Between 1000 and 1500 eggs may be produced that normally hatch in 2 days. The tadpoles are very cannibalistic and will feed upon their siblings. This is normal for this species and should be allowed to occur. With so many tadpoles, it is for the best and the ones remaining will have a better start to life. Growth is rapid and metamorphoses begins in as little as two weeks. It can be difficult to raise the froglets and they do need a lot of calcium in the diet. Keep them in shallow water at first to make it easier to find food, offering small fish, worms and other aquatic organisms along with small insects.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna