DISTRIBUTION:

North America

HABITS:

Bullfrogs require very large cages, preferably a greenhouse or sphagnum moss or similar material in which to hide. Failure to provide adequate cover will almost certainly result in wounds to the snout. After several months the frogs become less jumpy, and once settled in they will live for many years in captivity.

SPAWNING:

Breeding is unlikely except in large outdoor enclosures with extensive ponds, i.e. under semi-natural conditions. The male has a larger eardrum than the female, as well as nuptial pads on his hands during the breeding season. Females lay 25 thousand eggs and may spawn 10-12 times per year.

GROWTH:

The tadpoles grow very large, and in cool climates may metamorphose over winter or sometime their second summer. They can be kept at almost any temperature: at 20-25 C they grow quite quickly provided that their voracious appetite for soften plant material, e.g. boiled lettuce, is kept satisfied. It takes 6 - 10 months to reach market size. They may live as long as 16 years, the record weight and length is 7.5 lbs, 2ft.

USES:

Skin is sold for leather.

CULTURE:

A temperature of 15-25 C is required during the summer, and if required the animals may be hibernated during the winter. High densities result in cannibalism and low weight gain. In door culture is required because of high predation, disease and cannibalism.

REFERENCES:

Orth,-D.J. PROCEEDINGS-OF-THE-SYMPOSIUM-ON-FISH-AND-THEIR-HABITAT.-ACTES-DU- COLLOQUE-HABITAT-POISSONS:-GESTION-DES-RESSOURCES-AQUATIQUES. Gaudin,-P.;Souchon,-Y.;Orth,-D.J.;Vigneux,-E.-eds. PARIS-FRANCE CONSEIL-SUPERIEUR-DE-LA-PECHE 1995 no. 337-339 pp. 317-328