How to Care for a Surinam Horned Frog

The Surinam horned frog, or Amazonian horned frog, is found throughout Suriname in northern South America. Ranging in color from light and dark green to beige and dark brown, the females grow up to 4.75 inches while males are much smaller, reaching 2.75 inches. The Surinam horned frog has high "horns" over its eyes and a large mouth relative to its body size, making it the most unusual of all horned frogs. Easy to care for, this amphibian makes a great pet.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon aquarium
  • Screen cover
  • Substrate
  • Water bowl
  • Spray bottle
  • Heat map
  • Small thermometer
  • UVB tube
  • Disinfectant
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide adequate housing. Horned frogs don't move around much so they don't need a lot of room. A 10-gallon aquarium, fitted with a screen cover, makes an ideal home for your amphibian.

    • 2

      Use coconut husks or a fertilizer-free soil as a substrate. In a pinch, moist paper towels will work but will need to be replaced frequently. Horned frogs like to burrow so make sure the substrate is deep enough for them to hide in.

    • 3

      Feed your horned frog crickets, insects and small mice. Other prey options include cockroaches, earthworms, feeder fish, meal worms and small mice. Dust the amphibian's food with vitamin D3 powder once a week.

    • 4

      Provide a constant supply of fresh water. Place a shallow water bowl filled with de-chlorinated or bottled spring water inside the aquarium. If you use tap water, treat it with a de-chlorinating solution. Make sure the water is no deeper than your frog's mouth. Because your amphibian will also use his water dish as his toilet, change the water daily.

    • 5

      Mist the aquarium daily. Use a spray bottle filled with de-chlorinated water. Keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged.

    • 6

      Maintain the temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a heat mat with a thermostat under the aquarium. Keep one end at 75 degrees and the other at 82 degrees. Place a small thermometer inside the aquarium so you can monitor the temperature.

    • 7

      Keep your horned frog out of direct sunlight. Place a low UVB light inside the aquarium to help your amphibian convert its food into vitamin D3.

    • 8

      Clean the aquarium once a week. Move the frog to a temporary holding tank. Remove the old substrate and wipe the aquarium down with an amphibian-safe disinfectant. Rinse and dry the tank before adding fresh substrate. Replace your amphibian.