Pickerel Frog

Lifespan:

Up to 5–10 years in captivity with proper care

Sexing:

Males are typically smaller with darker, swollen thumbs during breeding season; otherwise, sexing requires vent inspection or behavioral observation during mating.

Enclosure:

• Juveniles: Minimum 10-gallon tank 

• Adults:: 20-gallon long (30”x12”x12”) tank or larger for multiple frogs

• Provide hiding places like rocks, logs, or plants. Keep the substrate deep enough to allow for burrowing.

Substrate:

• Moist coco fiber, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter mix; include a land and water section (semi-aquatic setup)

Lighting & Temperature:

• Ambient Temp: 72–78°F

• Cool Side: 68–70°F

• UVB Lighting: Not  required, but low-level UVB is beneficial (use ZooMed T5 5.0 or ExoTerra UVB 100 for low output)

Humidity:

60–80% humidity during the day, slightly higher at night. Mist daily; ensure good ventilation to prevent respiratory issues

Food:

Insectivores: Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, and occasional worms. Dust insects with calcium supplement 2–3x/week and multivitamins 1x/week.

Feed 2–3 times a week for adults, more frequently for juveniles

Water:

Provide a shallow, dechlorinated water dish

Frogs often soak in water to stay hydrated—keep it clean and fresh

Mist enclosure to maintain humidity and allow frogs to drink droplets

Pickerel Frogs make a great choice for amphibian enthusiasts who want a hardy, visually striking native species. Their quiet habits and moderate care needs make them suitable for both beginners and experienced keepers.