Albino Tiger Bullfrog

Indian Bullfrog
Asian Bullfrog

Hoplobatrachus tigerinus

Description

The largest amphibian on the Indian subcontinent and one of the largest within their range, tiger bullfrogs can reach lengths of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters). They are olive green to dark brown in coloration. Albinos are pale yellow to vivid orange. Albinos are generally lighter in color, have paler pink eyes and have rougher skin than the albino North American bullfrog R. catesbiena. In captivity they have lived more than 10 years.

Natural Habitat

Tiger bullfrogs are originally native to India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia from the fringes of desert habitats to an elevation of 6,500 feet in the mountains. Due to their tendency to leap into the water at the approach of perceived danger, tiger bullfrogs (like North American bullfrogs) are rarely found far from a permanent water source. Tiger bullfrogs are endangered within their natural habitat, but they are also farmed extensively as a delicacy within much of their range.

Artificial Habitat

Because of their size and flight response (see above), tiger bullfrogs need ample space in order to thrive. While it is perfectly acceptable to raise a baby tiger bullfrog in a ten-gallon aquarium, sub-adult (between 2-3 inches/5-8 centimeters) and adult (> 4.5 inches/11 centimeters) bullfrogs should have substantially larger enclosures. Because tiger bullfrogs spend a majority of their time in or very near water, the majority of their artificial habitat should be water. An ideal situation would provide floating basking spots (lilies, water hyacinth, water lettuce, Styrofoam, etc.) with a watery surrounding. An enclosure that is 2/3-3/4 water with a small land area is also sufficient. Tiger bullfrogs are happiest when they can fully submerge themselves in the water, so this should be taken into account when deciding on a water depth. Albino tiger bullfrogs can also make a handsome addition to koi ponds and water gardens, provided that there is adequate shelter from predators (i.e. deep water and/or underwater hiding spaces).

Diet

Tiger bullfrogs are voracious but somewhat reclusive eaters. Although they are certainly capable of eating many small animals including but not limited to; land snails, worms, insects, fish, rodents, birds, snakes and other (usually) smaller frogs, we have found that they seem most interested in insects--primarily crickets, and seem not to be interested in rodents. In captivity they can be offered virtually anything, but crickets, nightcrawlers, fish and smaller frogs appear to be favorites. As with all frog species food items should be dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure proper nutrition.

Caveats

Tiger bullfrogs are a hearty pet frog primarily because of their environmental adaptability and their seemingly limitless diet. Although in our experience tiger bullfrogs are not messier than other similarly sized frogs, because they spend the majority of their time in the water (where they both eat and defecate) they are more susceptible to water toxicity, so frequent water changes are necessary. Types and amount of filtration, water circulation and water volume all play roles in the frequency of water changes.

If you plan to house your tiger bullfrog outside, it is important to recognize that albino tiger bullfrogs are very obvious to predators. Whereas a normal tiger bullfrog may not be obvious beneath 6 inches (15 centimeters) of water, a pale yellow bullfrog is visible beneath more than four feet of water! This problem can be alleviated by providing adequate shelter and hiding spaces for your frog.