Reed Frogs
Origin
Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat
Open woodlands & grasslands
Average Size
1 - 1.5 inches
Life Span
Up to 5 years
General Information
Reed Frogs, Hyperolius sp., are small, attractive hylids that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Hyperolius sp. originate from marshy habitat, savanna, bushland, and forest habitats inhabited by reeds, grasses, and large leaved plants across the central and western coast through central and southeastern Africa. Reed Frogs range in size from 15mm to about 1.5 inches in length, with females being the larger of the two sexes. Reed Frogs are one of the most variable genera of any frog, with colors ranging from a white-silver to black and green and just about any pattern you can think of.
Proper Caging and Environment Size
A pair of Reed Frogs can be kept comfortably in a 15 gallon tank, although a larger tank can be used. The frogs will often be much more active when given a larger living space so this can make keeping these frogs that much more enjoyable for the keeper.
Heat and Lighting
Reeds should be kept between the mid-70s and mid-80s. These frogs will benefit from UV lighting. A standard fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulb should be used to provide a photoperiod as well as to provide light for any live plants in the tank. If you have live plants in the vivarium, then you may need a bulb that puts out brighter light depending on the species of plants.
Substrate
Reed Frogs do well on a number of substrates including shredded coconut fiber and sphagnum moss. The substrate should be about 2-4 inches in depth so as any live plants have room to grow. If plants are going to be in the vivarium, a drainage layer made up of small pea sized gravel should be added below the coconut fiber or sphagnum layer. Reed Frogs will also benefit from a relatively large water feature in the tank, although this should only be a portion of the substrate and not the entire bottom of the vivarium.
Water
Water should be provided through daily mistings. Misting once or twice a day with high quality, dechlorinated water should be sufficient. In order to provide adequate humidity in the tank, a glass canopy should be used. Another thing to consider with a humid tank is air flow. A small computer fan can be used to help keep the air in the tank from becoming stagnant.
Live Plants
All frogs greatly benefit from having live plants in the vivarium. They increase air flow and quality as well as increase the humidity of the tank. Some good plants for these frogs include Philodendron, Sansevaria, and Pothos as well as any other tropical large leaved plants.
Branches
These tree frogs will benefit from having numerous branches to climb and perch on. These branches can be oriented any which way and should be approximately the same width as the frog.
Feeding
The diet of these frogs consists of just about any insect small enough that they can fit into their mouths. This includes small crickets, Fruit flies(for small species), and other small insects. It is best to offer your tree frogs as varied a diet as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Reed Frogs, please call to speak with one of our reptile room employees at 717-299-5691 ext.1240.