How to Care for an Emerald Hopper Frog

Originating from Madagascar, the emerald hopper frog (Scaphiophryne pustulosa) -- also called Marbled Hopper -- is sometimes kept as a pet. This small frog ranges in size from 1 1/2 inch to 3 inches and eats a carnivorous diet. Regardless of whether you are a beginning amphibian enthusiast or a seasoned keeper, if you are interested in keeping an emerald hopper frog, it is important to know how to properly care for it.

Things You'll Need

  • 15-gallon tank
  • Moss substrate
  • Terrarium furnishings
  • Small water bowl (no deeper than the frog's nostrils)
  • Fluorescent UVB light tube
  • Mealworms, earthworms, waxworms, moths and caterpillars
  • Calcium and vitamin supplement powder
  • Dechlorination drops
  • Reptile-friendly disinfectant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a 15-gallon aquarium tank in a location that is neither in direct sunlight or direct shade. When placing your tank, choose an area that will consistently remain between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 2

      Distribute mossy substrate evenly along the bottom of the tank. Once the moss is placed, furnish the tank with your choice of terrarium furnishings, which could include plants, pebbles or driftwood.

    • 3

      Place a water bowl in a spot that is easily accessible to your emerald hopper. To do this, perhaps clear a shady area in the tank and place the water bowl on a flat and easily accessible plane -- both for your emerald hopper and for you when you need to refill it. Fill the bowl with bottled water or use dechlorination drops if you fill it with tap water.

    • 4

      Place a fluorescent UVB light tube opposite from your water bowl and into an area that the emerald hopper will be unable to reach. Do not place the light above a piece of driftwood, for example, because your emerald hopper could jump and hit the light, resulting in serious injury to the animal.

    • 5

      Feed your emerald hopper a combination of waxworms, earthworms, mealworms, moths and caterpillars. Adult emerald hoppers should be fed every two or three days, while young emerald hoppers should be fed daily. When feeding young emerald hoppers, chop up their food into small pieces. Dust food items with a calcium and vitamin supplement powder before giving them to your emerald hopper. Empty the tank at least once a month and clean it with a reptile-friendly disinfectant, which can be purchased at any local pet shop.