Top 10 Beginner Reptiles and Amphibians-Amphibians!
Here it is!!! A compilation of the top 10 best beginner amphibians, including frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders! There are many different species of amphibians kept as pets out there, and many of them can make for great pets, but in order to really narrow down possible options for the new or beginning reptile enthusiast, we’ve decided to create this top 10 list, in no particular order! This list is based on many different factors which should always be researched and considered as to which animals do make good pets, and includes, but is certainly not limited to the species’ eventual adult size, lifespan and longevity, cost of care, temperament and handleability, overall ease of care, overall affordability and availability, and other factors.
There are many different opinions as to which species specifically make the best beginner’s pets. However, the best “beginner’s pet” is ultimately one that someone has done their research on and are interested in most. We hope these top 10 guides can better help YOU pick out your first, or even next reptile or amphibian! These guides are also great for choosing a classroom, or even office pet as well! And, if you have a species which does not appear on this list, but believe it should, let us know, and we may evaluate it for another top 10 list!
*Photo Credit: Art.com
1. White’s, or Dumpy’s Treefrog (Litoria caerulea)
Pros: Readily Available, Large Size, Docile Nature and Somewhat Handleability for Amphibians, Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Easy Diets, Low Maintenance Overall.
Cons: Low Activity Level, Prone to Overfeeding, Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements, Still Delicate Handling, Requires Live Insects.
*Photo Credit: Andrea Williams
2. Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and (Ambystoma mavortium)*Depending on where sourced.
Pros: Large Size, Docile Nature and Somewhat Good Handleability for Amphibians, Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Easy Diets and Usually Good Eaters, Low Maintenance Overall.
Cons: Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements, Still Delicate Handling, Requires Live Insects, Legalities in Areas Where Native, Can be Prone to Overfeeding.
* Photo Credit: The Daily World.
3. Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Pros: Cute and Appealing Appearances, Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Readily Available, Small and Simple Enclosure Sizes and Requirements.
Cons: Specific Water Quality and Temperature Requirements, Lack of Handleability.
*Photo Credit: The Frog Depot
4. Argentine Horned Frog/Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys spp.)
Pros: Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Readily Available, Small and Simple Enclosure Sizes and Requirements, Often Will Eat Anything, Unique Appearance.
Cons: Low Activity Level, Handleability (Can Bite or Become Stressed), Requires Live Foods, Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements.
*Photo Credit: Tennessee Aquarium
5. Tomato Frogs (Dyscophus spp.)
Pros: Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Small and Simple Enclosure Sizes and Requirements, Often Decent Eaters, Colorful Appearance.
Cons: Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements, Delicate Handling, Requires Live Foods, Lack of Captive-Bred Individuals.
*Photo Credit: ZME Science
6. Oriental Fire bellied Toads (Bombina orientalis)
Pros: Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Colorful Appearance, Small Size, Decent Eaters and Easy Diets, Ready Availability, Potential Longevity.
Cons: Enclosure and Setup (Must be Semi-Aquatic), Handleability, Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements, Fluctuating Availability?
*Photo Credit: KPCC
7. African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus spp.)
Pros: Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Small and Simple Enclosure Sizes and Requirements, Unusual Habits and Appearances, Price and Availability, Fun to Watch.
Cons: Specific Water Quality and Temperature Requirements, Lack of Handleability, Potential Interest Level.
*Photo Credit: Pets Supplies Plus
8. American Green Treefrog (Hyla/Dryophytes cinerea)
Pros: Small Size, Colorful and Appealing Appearance, Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Small and Simple Enclosure Sizes and Requirements, Inexpensive Price.
Cons: Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements, Handleability, Requires Live Insects, Lack of Captive-Bred Individuals.
*Photo Credit: TFH Magazine
9. African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus spp.)
Pros: Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Small and Simple Enclosure Sizes and Requirements, Unusual Habits and Appearances, Price and Availability, Fun to Watch.
Cons: Specific Water Quality and Temperature Requirements, Lack of Handleability, Potential Interest Level.
*Photo Credit: Amphibians and Reptiles of North Carolina
10. North American Toads (Anaxyrus spp.)*Depending on where sourced.
Pros: Docile Nature and Somewhat Good Handleability for Amphibians, Low Heating and Lighting Requirements, Easy Diets and Usually Good Eaters, Hardiness, Low Maintenance Overall.
Cons: Regular Misting/Moisture/Humidity Requirements, Still Requires Careful Handling, Requires Live Insects, Legalities in Areas Where Native, Can be Prone to Overfeeding.