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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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Argus Reed Frog
Hyperolius argus
An East African reed frog famous for its extreme sexual dimorphism. Uniformly green/yellow males contrast with deep reddish-brown females adorned with yellow spots.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Hyperoliidae
Genus:Hyperolius
Species:Hyperolius argus
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
26 - 29 °C
Night temperature
22 - 24 °C
Ambient temperature
26 - 29 °C
Minimum enclosure
>= 45 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Strictly endemic to the vast, warm flooded savannas, marshes, humid coastal shrublands, and dense reed beds of East Africa, spanning from Kenya and Tanzania south to Mozambique and South Africa. This tiny frog lives clinging to tall grass stems, reeds, and papyrus overhanging slow-moving rivers and lakes.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Hyperoliidae, *Hyperolius argus* is a very small tree frog, with adults reaching a length of 2.5–3.5 cm. They feature slender bodies, long legs, and large adhesive discs on their fingertips that facilitate exceptional climbing ability on vertical vegetation. The belly skin is thin and translucent.
Behavior and Habits: A highly active nocturnal tree frog that spends the day resting in a compressed posture on smooth leaves or reeds to conserve moisture and blend in. They are extremely agile jumpers, capable of leaping long distances when startled. During the breeding season, males assemble near water bodies and produce a loud, high-pitched metallic click call.
Morphology: This species is famous for its extreme sexual dimorphism. Adult males are uniform lime green or yellow, completely lacking patterns. Females, which are slightly larger, are deep reddish-brown or orange-brown, covered in large, striking yellow or cream spots bordered in black (resembling eyes, which inspired the name "Argus").
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented palustrine terrarium or a paludarium (minimum 45x45x60 cm). The setup must include tall, sturdy aquatic vegetation such as papyrus, reeds, large ferns, and *Sansevieria* or *Pothos*, which provide sleeping sites for the frogs. A clean, shallow water area with dechlorinated water is necessary. Ensure a proper drainage layer (like clay balls) beneath the substrate to prevent waterlogging, which can foster deadly bacteria like *Aeromonas*.
Lighting and Heating: They require warm temperatures, with a daytime range of 26–29°C. High temperatures above 30°C in an unventilated terrarium can be fatal; adequate air circulation is critical. At night, lower the temperature to 22–24°C. A 5% UVB light is essential to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD) and support muscular and skeletal health.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain relative humidity between 70–80%. High-quality ventilation (via mesh panels or small fans) is vital, as stagnant air mixed with waste can lead to deadly skin infections (such as "red leg" syndrome). Mist the terrarium daily with reverse osmosis or distilled water, preferably in the evening, allowing the environment to dry slightly during the day.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. Offer small, active prey such as pinhead crickets, fruit flies (*Drosophila hydei*), and small roach nymphs. Feed 3 times a week, dusting the prey with a calcium, D3, and multivitamin supplement to prevent metabolic bone disease and preserve their vibrant colors.
Compatibility: Exceptionally peaceful and social. They can be safely kept in small groups or harems. Do not house them with other species to prevent stress and cross-contamination. Avoid mixing color morphs or species of hyperoliids to preserve taxonomic purity.
Health and Common Diseases: Due to their extremely delicate, semi-permeable skin, they must never be handled with bare hands, as residues from soaps or oils can cause fatal poisoning. When startled, they may jump against the glass, causing snout-rub abrasions that can become infected. Keep the enclosure in a quiet, climate-controlled room away from loud noises.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Strictly endemic to the vast, warm flooded savannas, marshes, humid coastal shrublands, and dense reed beds of East Africa, spanning from Kenya and Tanzania south to Mozambique and South Africa. This tiny frog lives clinging to tall grass stems, reeds, and papyrus overhanging slow-moving rivers and lakes.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAfrica and Madagascar
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 4 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 4 cm. The AmphiBIO v1 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 4 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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