Budgett's Frog (Hippo Frog)
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
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Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Classification | Amphibian |
| Size | Large (4-5 in) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| Water Type | Aquatic/Semi-aquatic |
| Enclosure | 20+ gallon shallow aquatic |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Diet | Earthworms, fish, shrimp, roaches |
| Temperament | Aggressive, Vocal, Unique appearance |
| Origin | South America (Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia) |
| Habitat Type | Aquatic to semi-aquatic |
| Typical Cost | $50-$150 for animal; $100-$250 setup |
Recommended for Budgett's Frog (Hippo Frog) Keepers
Zoo Med — Heating, lighting & habitat supplies | Exo Terra — Vivariums & terrarium accessories | Chewy — Amphibian food & supplies
Budgett's Frog (Hippo Frog) Food & Supplements
Chewy — Frozen bloodworms, pellets & feeder insects | Zoo Med ReptiCalcium — Calcium with D3 supplement | Oxbow — Premium small animal nutrition
Budgett's Frog (Hippo Frog) Habitat Essentials
Exo Terra — Aquatic habitat accessories | Zoo Med — Thermostats, hygrometers & substrates | Chewy — Terrariums & aquatic supplies
Protect Your Budgett's Frog (Hippo Frog)
Spot Insurance — Exotic pet coverage options | Lemonade Pet — Affordable pet insurance plans
The frog that barks
Budgett's frog, Lepidobatrachus laevis, is the round "hippo frog" from the Chaco of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Adults are about 4 to 5 inches of mouth with a frog attached. The table's temperament words are aggressive, vocal, and odd-looking. All three are accurate. Poke the water and a resting frog can inflate, scream, and lunge.
Lifespan is listed at 15 to 20 years, which is long for a horned frog and depends on not turning the animal into a mouse disposal. Temperature sits around 75 to 82°F. The enclosure note is a 20-gallon or larger shallow aquatic setup. They want water they can rest in, with a slope or platform so the nose reaches air, not a deep swimming pool and not a dry desert tank.
One frog, tongs, and a lid
Earthworms, pieces of fish, shrimp, and roaches are the diet. Tankmates of any species that fit in the gape are prey, including a second Budgett's frog. Feed with tongs and count the fingers afterward. A bite is not venomous. It is still a bad afternoon.
Care level is intermediate because of the attitude and the water, not because the frog is fragile. They are tough if the water is warm and changed. They are a rotten choice for a child who was promised a frog to hold.
Money and the quiet days
Animals often cost $50 to $150, with a shallow setup around $100 to $250. Most days they sit under the water and look like a rock that is slightly annoyed. That is normal. A frog that stays puffed, stops eating, or develops red patches on the belly is not doing a display. Find a clinic through ARAV, and use the appetite guide plus the checker while you are getting an appointment.
Budgett's frog questions
Do Budgett's frogs really scream?
Yes. A startled Budgett's frog inflates, opens a huge mouth, and gives a loud defensive bark. It is a warning, and it often comes with a bite.
How long do Budgett's frogs live?
The table lists 15 to 20 years. Keepers who avoid overfeeding and keep the water clean report animals well into the teens. Twenty is the long end.
Can you hold a Budgett's frog?
Not for fun. They bite hard, the mouth is most of the head, and handling dries the skin. Move them with a container when the tank needs cleaning.
What do they eat?
Earthworms, fish, shrimp, and roaches, as the quick facts say. They will also eat another frog. One Budgett's frog per tank.
Decision Guides for Budgett's Frog (Hippo Frog)
Use these only when comparing food, insurance, ownership budget, or beginner fit for this specific pet.