Frogs and Toads make great pets for anyone who wants a more challenging pet than a fish.
Pet Frogs provide a great learning opportunity for first time keepers. These aquatic creatures are easy to care for, have vibrant colors and are usually cheaper than other pet reptiles.
Each frog is unique and requires different husbandry skills and diets.
It is important beginners pick a suitable species! Some frogs are easier to take care of than others and some are more expensive to keep.
Below is our list of the 17 best frogs for beginners.
Best Pet Frogs
# | Species of Frog | Appearance | Husbandry | Lifespan (years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | African Bullfrog | Olive green with yellow or cream throats. | Easy | 20 – 30 |
2 | Burmese Chubby | Brown with cream bands measuring 2 – 3 inches long. | Easy | ~10 |
3 | Bumblebee Dart | Vivid yellow and black measuring 1.5 inches long. | Difficult | ~10 |
4 | African Dwarf | Olive to dark green with black spots. | Easy | ~20 |
5 | Green and Black Dart | Vivid green and black measuring 1.5 inches long. | Difficult | ~10 |
6 | American | Short legs with thick brown skin and bumpy warts. | Easy | 15 – 20 |
7 | Bumble Bee | Black body and legs with yellow bands. | Easy | ~10 |
8 | Gray Tree | Gray with warty skin. | Medium | 7 – 9 |
9 | American Green Tree | Small green frogs measuring 1 to 2.5 inches. | Easy | 2 – 6 |
10 | Oriental Fire Bellied | Bright fiery-red belly and black spots on their body. | Medium | ~30 |
11 | Pacman | Orange-brown to lime green and can grow seven inches long. | Medium | 10 – 12 |
12 | Amazon Milk | Brown bands and spots on a mint-green body. | Medium | 5 – 10 |
13 | Red Eyed Tree | Large red eyes and bright green bodies with orange feet | Medium | 4 |
14 | Tomato | Cherry red measuring 2.5 to 4 inches long. | Easy | ~10 |
15 | Waxy Monkey | Bright green waxy color measuring 2 to 3 inches long. | Medium | 6 – 8 |
16 | White’s Tree | White bellies with a blue to green body color. | Easy | 12 – 16 |
17 | White Lipped | Green with white lips measuring 4.3 to 5.5 inches long. | Difficult | 10 – 15 |
17. White Lipped Tree Frog
These bright green frogs are named after the white stripe that runs from their lower lip to hind legs.
They are native to Australia and New Guinea and are larger than most species in this list measuring 4.3 to 5.5 inches long – this makes them the largest tree frog on Earth.
This frog needs a tank that is about 23 inches³ and many things to climb on!
White Lipped Tree Frogs are loved by beginners for their unique appearance and exotic status. They can make great pets but are not as popular as others because they are not as hardy as many other frogs
However, they can thrive under the care of a beginner who provides consistent husbandry.
- Price: $30
- Size: 4.3 – 5.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Family: Pelodryadidae
16. White’s Tree Frog
White’s Tree Frogs are smaller than their White-Lipped relatives (#17). This species is a beautiful silver-green color and is about 3 to 4.5 inches long.
This frog is fantastic for kids and beginners.
They are hardy, easy to care for and docile. They have also been known to live in man-made environments (e.g. bathrooms and water tanks). White’s Tree Frogs are naturally very tame so they make a great choice for anyone who wants to handle their pet.
These little animals are also fascinating to watch. Experts believe that they can regulate their internal temperature and the amount of moisture that evaporates from their skin.
- Price: $40 – $80
- Size: 3 – 4.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
- Family: Pelodryadinae
15. Waxy Monkey Frog
The Waxy Monkey Frog is similar in appearance to the White-Lipped (#17) but they are from different parts of the world:
- This species is from South American.
- White-Lipped are Australian.
This species is sometimes called a “leaf frog” due to their bright green color, waxy appearance and their tendency to rest in leafy branches. Their waxy coating protects their skin from drying out.
The Waxy Monkey Frog is native to the Amazon Rainforest and likes a humid environment. They like climbing on glass walls so a 20-gallon aquarium is perfect for them.
They do not enjoy being handled so they make a good pet frog for beginners that want to watch and not handle – they can be quite entertaining!
- Price: $60 – $80
- Size: 2 – 3 inches long
- Lifespan: 6 – 8 years
- Family: Phyllomedusidae
14. Tomato Frog
This orange pet might remind you of a little cherry tomato!
Tomato Frogs are found in northern Madagascar in a variety of environments (e.g. wooded coasts and rainforests). They can thrive in different habitats so are very hardy and adjust well to captive life.
They are one of the smallest pet frogs at 2.5 to 4 inches long. They also have interesting behaviors like burrowing when kept in an aquarium.
Tomato Frogs have become very popular in the pet trade due to their attractive bright color and small size.
This frog will live to at-least 10 years in captivity.
- Price: $20 – $50
- Size: 2.5 – 4 inches long
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Family: Microhylid
13. Red Eyed Tree Frog
There are two species of Red Eyed and both have large red eyes and bright green bodies with orange feet. One species is native to the rainforests of Central America and the other Australian rainforests:
- The Australian has horizontal pupils and orange-colored eyes.
- The Central America has vertical pupils and deep red eyes.
First time keepers love both species for their unique colors.
Central American Red Eyed Tree Frogs can be housed together in a tank. They are great for beginners who want an army of frogs.
These frogs have specific care requirements but beginners with attentive care can care for them.
- Price: $25 – $75
- Size: 2 – 3 inches long
- Lifespan: 4 years
- Family: Phyllomedusidae Agalychnis callidryas, Pelodryadidae Litoria chloris
12. Amazon Milk Frog
The Amazon Milk Frog is one of the more recently discovered frogs.
This rainforest species has a unique color and pattern. Their brown bands and spots starkly contrast their mint-green bodies.
Surprisingly they are named after the white secretions they produce when they are threatened.
They can live in groups and are relatively easy to care for but like some frogs in this list they do not enjoy being handled often.
- Price: $40 – $100
- Size: 3 – 5 inches long
- Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
- Family: Hylidae
11. Pacman Frog
Pacman Frogs are another species found in the Amazonian Basin of South America. This species comes in several colors from orange-brown to lime green.
They get their name due to their large mouths that take up half of their head!
These frogs are bigger than most and can grow seven inches long. They use their dominant size to fiercely protect their territory in the wild.
Because they can be aggressive and have sharp teeth owners should wear protective gloves when handling.
Pacman Frogs thrive in captivity with the right care. This ease of captive living makes them suitable for someone learning how to care for a frog.
- Price: $15 – $50
- Size: ~7 inches long
- Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
- Family: Ceratophryidae
10. Oriental Fire Bellied Toad
The Oriental Fire Bellied Toad is a small, colorful pet frog that eats insects.
As their name suggests this toad has a bright fiery-red belly. The tops of their limbs, head, and back are all solid green with black spots and blotches on their body.
These toads are found in Eastern Asia but they are commonly bred in captivity.
They are easy to care for, but beginners should be careful handling them as they are very territorial. They are also venomous but if you wash your hands immediately after handling it won’t harm you.
They are good for beginners who want to learn about the feeding and husbandry of a frog.
- Price: $15 – $25
- Size: 2 inches long
- Lifespan: 30 years
- Family: Bombinatoridae
9. American Green Tree Frog
American Green Tree Frogs are native to central and southeastern United States.
These small green frogs range in size from 1 to 2.5 inches and are great for beginners who don’t want a large tank. American Green Trees thrive in a 10-gallon tank with more height than width.
They do not like to be handled but are very easy to care for.
What is great about caring for this frog is that they can live at room temperature so do not require any special heating – unless room temperature drops below 70℉.
They are perfect for a beginner who wants a small, easy to care for frog without a 15 year commitment.
- Price: $10
- Size: 1 – 2.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 2 – 6 years
- Family: Hylidae
8. Gray Tree Frog
The Gray Tree Frog is another North American native species. They are fond anywhere from Maine to Texas and Florida. Like the American Green Tree they have significant ecological benefits and help rid environments of insect pests.
There are two distinct species in the US:
- Dryophytes versicolor
- Dryophytes chrysoscelis
This frog should only be purchased from breeders as this helps protect populations. They are not expensive and can be bought for $8 – $20.
Gray Tree Frogs are small pets that are much wartier than others in this list.
Like many of the frogs in this list they do best in a 10 or 20-gallon tank with lots of height for climbing.
- Price: $8 – $20
- Size: 1.25 – 2 inches long
- Lifespan: 7 – 9 years
- Family: Hylidae
7. Bumble Bee Walking Toad
The Bumble Bee Walking Toad is easily confused for an Oriental Fire Bellied Toad (#10). However, this toad does not have any green on their body. They are also from a different part of the world than the Fire Belly. They are native to Argentina and Paraguay not Asia.
These toads are also called “Bumble Bees” because of their black and yellow back and legs.
This is one of the best toads for learning husbandry and care.
These toads are one of the smallest pet frogs and will not grow larger than 1.5 inches. They do not take up much room and can live in a 5-gallon tank. You can house four of them in a 10-gallon tank!
They are easy to keep in captivity and will live for more than 10 years if they are well taken care of.
- Price: $60 – $90
- Size: 1.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 10+ years
- Family: Bufonidae
6. American Toad
American Toads are widespread throughout North America. They spend most of their time near ponds and in wet forests.
This toad is easily identified by their short legs and thick brown skin with bumpy warts. When stressed their skin color often changes from brown to green to yellow.
They are not as colorful as some reptiles but they still make great pets.
American Toads are hardy and will live 15 – 20 years.
You should avoid handling them frequently as it can be dangerous for both of you. These toads carry a substance called bufotoxin that can irritate your eyes. Additionally oils on your hands can damage their skin.
American Toads will need a 10-gallon tank with room-level temperatures and 50% humidity.
- Price: $10
- Size: 3 inches long
- Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
- Family: Bufonidae
5. Green and Black Dart Frog
The Green and Black Dart Frog is a species of Poison Dart family.
This species is found in Central and South America and thrives on the rainforest floor.
These little frogs are usually a green and black color. It is their bright colors that warn predators of their poison glands.
Their name can sometimes keep beginners from adopting them. But surprisingly they make a great beginner frog.
These frogs are small, entertaining and energetic. They are normally searching for food and hopping around – one of their favorite foods is ants.
A committed beginner can care for one provided they are aware of the risks of handling one.
- Price: $40 – $80
- Size: 1.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Family: Dendrobatidae
4. African Dwarf Frog
These frogs are native to southern Africa and live in grassland ponds and streams. They will only leave water if they are forced to migrate.
African Dwarf Frogs are the best pet frog for someone who wants to keep fish and frogs!
They live well in a 5-gallon aquarium with lots of water and are great swimmers. They will only swim to the surface to breathe.
African Dwarf Frogs are also known as “Dwarf Underwater” because of their water-dwelling behavior. They are sometimes called “African Clawed” because of their webbed feet and claws.
These low maintenance frogs are extremely inexpensive and can be purchased for $4.
They are very hardy animals and can live up to 20 years in captivity.
- Price: $4
- Size: 2.5 – 4 inches long
- Lifespan: ~20 years
- Family: Pipidae
3. Bumblebee Dart Frog
Bumblebee Dart Frogs are found throughout South America. They are insectivores and eat small fruit flies and pinhead crickets.
These unique pets are decorated with splotches of black and yellow.
Beginners love them for their bright colors.
Unlike the earlier discussed Bumblebee Toad (#7) this pet is a species of Poison Dart Frog not toad.
They have very similar care requirements to their green and black (#5) relatives and are very easy to care for – provided you do not handle them often.
Bumblebee Darts live well in a 10-gallon tank with 75℉ – 85℉ temperatures and high humidity. It will be hard to keep them healthy if you do not keep the humidity above 90%.
These little yellow frogs cost $45 – $80 and can live for at least 10 years.
- Price: $45 – $80
- Size: 1.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 10+ years
- Family: Dendrobatidae
2. Burmese Chubby Frog
The Burmese Chubby is a large frog from Asia.
Their chubby appearance makes them a great choice for first time keepers that want a cute pet.
They also do not need much space and so will happily live in a 10-gallon aquarium. If you are looking for an all-around easy pet that does not require space – this is the one for you.
This species is a great first choice!
A well-kept Burmese Chubby can live up to 10 years and adapts to new environments very quickly.
- Price: $10 – $30
- Size: 2 – 3 inches long
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Family: Microhylidae
1. African Bullfrog
The African Bullfrog is one of the most unique amphibians on the planet. They are loved for their unique size and behaviors and spend the majority of the year buried underground.
They are sometimes called Pixie Frogs due to their scientific name Pyxicephalus adspersus.
This pet frog is bigger than most! Males are much larger than females and can grow up to 10 inches. Other than the fact they need a 20-gallon tank, the African Bullfrog does not have difficult care requirements.
They are easy going and tolerate handling once in a while.
This pet can live for 35 years with good husbandry and costs $25 – $75.
- Price: $25 – $75
- Size: 10 inches long
- Lifespan: 20 – 35 years
- Family: Pyxicephalidae
Which Frogs Are Best For Beginners?
Some frogs are hardier than others and adjust to life in captivity easily. If you have never cared for a reptile before the frogs in the list below are the best to choose from:
- White’s Tree Frog – great for handling
- Tomato Frog
- Red-Belly Toad
- American Green Tree Frog
- Burmese Chubby Frog
- African Bullfrog
Frogs and toads can make fantastic pets and provide great learning opportunities. Before owning one you should research which species is best for you. There are over 3,000 species of frogs and many have different temperaments and care needs. Some are great for beginners and some are not!
Ultimately it is your decision.
Do you have a favorite species of frog or toad? Let us know in the comments.