Defining Characteristics:

• Intermediate to keep
• One of the largest Frog species
• Aggressive
• Low rumbling call
• Very Large
• Solitary
• Very Challenging to Breed

 

Name: The scientific name of the Giant Pixie frog is  Pyxicephalus adspersus. Pyxicephalus roughly translates into "small head" which is an apt description for this genus of frogs. Common names include Pixie Frog and the Giant African Bullfrog. 

 

Certified Breeder Program: These frogs were procured via our Certified Breeder Program. This certification process will allow us to bring a wider variety of healthy, captive bred animals to you, our customers. We stand behind these animals just like any animals bred at our facility. Besides the fact we’ll be offering more animals, what do you need to know about Josh’s Frogs Certified Breeder Partnership? You need to know these animals are from people with the same approach to animal keeping and breeding that we do, are disease free, and most importantly captive bred! To learn more, please read our blog on the Josh's Frogs Certified Breeder Program.

Recommended Enclosure Size: Desptite the large size of the Pixie Frog they are pretty cessile as a species, preferring to sit and wait for food ro wander past. Because of this we recommned at least a 20 gallon long for adults but even better would be a 30 breeder or a 24x18x18 exo terra. Coco fiber is a great substrate for these frogs. A large water bowl is definitely required for this species and we have found that the  Zoo Med Repti Rock Corner Bowl (Large) works really well to accomodate these frogs as adults. Large hides or cork flats tend to work really well for shelter as plants will just get trampled on.

 

 

Temperature: They can take much higher temperatures than other frogs but are most comfortable in the mid to high 70s. If it gets too hot they will attempt to enter dormancy and bury themselves and stop eating.

 

 

Humidity: Much like temperature Pixie Frogs can take some pretty low humidity levels but prefer to stay in 50-60% range. Low humidity levels paired with warmer than normal temperatures can also trigger dormancy which isn't necessary unless breeding is being attempted.

 

 

Size: Pixie frogs will be at least 1" long at time of sale but may be larger as they grow rapidly. Adults have one of the most extreme cases of sexual dimorphisms among frogs where the males can reach a whopping 10" and females just 5.5." Males use their impressive size in combat with each other during the mating season.

 

 

Age: These frogs have ben known to live for up to 15 years but may live longer with ideal care. Frogs sold from Josh's Frogs are about 2-3 months out of the water.

 

 

Feeding: Because of their size adult pixie frogs have an expansive list of feeders to choose from. This list includes: Crickets, Roaches, Nightcrawlers, Hornworms, Frozen/Thawed Mice, Black Soldier Fly Larvae, butterworms, and Superworms. As a rule of thumb frogs should not be fed anything that is larger than the space between the eyes.

 

 

Sexing: Sexing these frogs as adults is very easy as there is very little size overlap with the males and females. Females will be very rotund and seem to have no neck where males will be more elongated and have orange patches in the armpits. Young frogs have a darker green coloration with some

 

 

Color/Pattern: Pixie frogs as adults are a dark olive green and white/cream on the ventral side. Males have a band of yellow or orange separating these colors. Young frogs have lighter green interspersed between the olive coloration, this goes away over time. 

 

 

Social Behavior: They are very food aggressive and can do significant damage to each other it is for this reason we recommend housing them separately.

 

 

Breeding: Breeding Pixie frogs in captivity is very difficult and hit or miss most of the time. A dry hot period is required for a set period of time that can vary from 4-10 months in the wild. During this time the frogs will create a skin coccoon around themselves to retain moisture. They shed this coccoon during heavy rains and make their way to pools of water where the males will throw each other around to win over the females nearby. Females can lay up to 4,000 eggs at a time. 

 

 

Natural Range: This species occurs widely in South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, extending north to southern Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya. It distribution needs re-examination in light of recent separation of Pyxicephalus edulus from P. adspersus. Many specimens have not been clearly assigned between these two species. It is presumed to occur in southern Democratic Republic of Congo, but there have not been any confirmed records from this country. ( IUCN Red List)

 

 

History in the Hobby: This frog species has long been desired for its impressive size and voracious appetite. Captive bred individuals are usually available but in the past the majority of frogs were wild caught adults.

 

 

Links of Interest:

IUCN Red List

In depth Overview on Frog Forum

 

Breeding agression  

Amphibiaweb

 

Still not sure if  Pyxicephalus adpersus  from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!