Many people don’t realize that many amphibians are carnivores or at the very least insectivores. These animals hunt for food and consume their prey. This can present some challenges for owners who are trying to care for them properly. They must source suitable food for their pet frog, newt, or salamander. It’s also crucial to carefully manage tank populations. Nobody wants one of their pets to eat another! In this guide, we’ll check out everything you need to know about keeping carnivorous amphibians.
1. The Best Food For Carnivorous Amphibians Varies
The best food for carnivorous amphibians depends slightly on their natural habitat. Land-dwelling creatures like Pacman frogs or gray tree frogs consume crickets and mealworms. Some newts and salamanders will also eat pellets made of ground insects. It’s advisable to talk to an experienced vet or breeder for your specific species. Larger animals like ornate horned frogs will also enjoy pinky mice. However, don’t give them too many because they have a high fat content.
Aquatic animals like axolotls and other salamanders may prefer marine-based prey. Brine shrimp, nightcrawlers, and bloodworms are good options. Don’t directly feed your pet amphibians fruit and vegetables. Instead, it’s better to gut-load insects to give them a nutrient boost. Supplement dusting may also be a good option. Some amphibians need more calcium in their diets. Freeze-dried insects are another option instead of live food, but this won’t be as enriching for the amphibian.
2. Some Pets Need Daily Feedings; Others Don’t
Appropriate feeding times will vary depending on the age and type of amphibian. It’s important to note that they won’t need daily feeding for their entire lives. Usually, it’s best to give food to adults two or three times a week. Remember to clean any waste to reduce the risk of in-cage diseases. Younger frogs and salamanders may need daily feeding. It’s best to feed them at night because most of them are nocturnal animals. Don’t forget to change their water every day, too. Amphibians don’t drink but absorb water through their skin.
3. Many Retailers Sell Food for Carnivorous Amphibians
It should be relatively easy to source food for carnivorous amphibians. Most towns have exotic or marine pet shops. Amphibians and reptiles follow similar diets eating the likes of crickets and mealworms. If there isn’t a physical store near you, there are many online options. Always source food supplies from trusted buyers. Nobody wants their toad or newt to accidentally contract a disease because their pet ate a wild cricket.
Water can be trickier than food. Avoid using tap water for pet amphibians like the green tree frog because it typically contains chlorine. This is toxic for their skin and can be very harmful. Some owners invest in a dechlorinator while others use filtered spring water. This is something to be mindful of before bringing an amphibian home.
4. Some Carnivorous Amphibians Must Be Housed Solo
Owners should exercise extreme caution when they keep carnivorous amphibians together. This is especially true if they are different sizes. There’s a strong chance that the larger animal will attempt to eat the smaller one. Interspecies predation is common amongst amphibians. But some of them will even engage in cannibalism. Pacman frogs are a good example. They’re one of the most common pet frog types, but you should never house two males together.
These territorial animals will fight, and the victor could eat the unfortunate loser. In the worst case, both frogs could receive mortal injuries. Separate males and keep them in different terrariums or tanks for their safety. Remember, they’re typically not social animals, so it won’t bother them to be alone. American bullfrogs and axolotls are other cannibalistic species. Axolotls have a cute appearance, but it’s common for them to eat their siblings’ arms and legs. The good news is they can regenerate limbs, but it’s still risky!
5. There Are Many Common Carnivorous Amphibians
Most amphibians are carnivorous and able to eat surprisingly large prey. Check out some common frogs and salamander species that enjoy hunting:
Axolotls
These days, axolotls have a huge pop culture following. They’re adorable amphibians with their cute wide smiles. However, they’re also carnivorous predators. In the wild, they’ll eat mollusks and crustaceans. They use a fascinating suction method to catch their prey.
American Bullfrogs
Many people make the mistake of bringing home American bullfrogs. Usually, this is a massive error because they will eat any cage mates. It’s almost impossible to handle them. Bullfrogs famously will eat small turtles as well as other amphibians.
White’s Tree Frogs
One of the most common pet frog species, they love insects. However, White’s tree frog will also eat small bats and tiny frogs. Usually, pet owners give them crickets and mealworms. Like many tree frogs, they’re cannibalistic. Keep different-sized frogs apart for their safety.
Tiger Salamanders
Tiger salamanders have a unique appearance with their stripy markings. They love worms, snails, and slugs. Many owners feed them typical amphibian and reptile food like crickets and mealworms. They’re also known to eat newborn mice and baby snakes.
Hellbenders
These distinctive North American salamanders eat a wide variety of animals. They love crayfish and feast on them in the wild. Hellbenders eat insects, tadpoles, and even smaller amphibians too. They have large mouths and will engage in cannibalism in overcrowded conditions.
