African Bullfrog

Pyxicephalus adspersus

The African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus), often sold in the pet trade as the pixie frog, is a heavy-bodied frog of southern and eastern African savannas, grasslands, and seasonally flooded pans. Adult males can be much larger than females and develop a broad head with tooth-like projections used in feeding and defense. Much of the year may be spent underground in a dry-season burrow, then breeding is triggered by heavy rains when frogs gather noisily in temporary pools. Males are notable for guarding tadpoles and sometimes digging channels to keep them connected to water.

As a captive amphibian, this is a powerful, mostly solitary animal rather than a frog for frequent handling. Keepers use secure enclosures with deep substrate for burrowing, warm conditions, and a shallow water area that can be cleaned easily. The diet is carnivorous, but overfeeding rodents or fatty prey is a common health problem; varied insects and appropriately sized whole prey are safer staples. Bites can be strong, and newly imported animals may carry parasites or arrive dehydrated, so buyers usually look for established, captive-bred stock when available. Breeding in collections depends on seasonal cycling and careful planning for large numbers of tadpoles.