Pobblebonk

Salmon-striped frog
Steindachner's Frog
Salmin's Striped Marshfrog

Limondynastes salmini

Description

Pobblebonks, so named due to their rhythmic call which sounds like “bonk-bonk-bonk” done in a nasal tone, are a shy, medium sized terrestrial or semi-fossorial frog. They are varying hues of brown and are speckled with black, mocha and orange or salmon broken stripes and spots. Their underbelly is cream or tan. They grow to about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) long and can live 5-6 years in captivity.

Natural Habitat

Pobblebonks are native to the central-eastern portion of Australia in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. They are found primarily in open areas and woodland, near ephemeral bodies of water. They spend much of their time semi-buried in the substrate, retaining moisture and waiting for rain. They can also be found under leaf litter, bark, logs and stones.

Artificial Habitat

Pobblebonks are shy and retiring creatures that require an enclosure that is horizontally oriented and incorporates plenty of hiding places. Corkbark, hollow logs, driftwood, flat rocks and other hideaways should be incorporated. A substrate of sterile potting soil, peat, bark chips, coconut bedding, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of all of these should be used. The substrate should be 1-2 inches/2.5-5 centimeters deep and should be misted daily. A medium-sized shallow bowl of water should also be provided. Pobblebonks are not tremendous swimmers but they do enjoy soaking. A 10-gallon aquarium is large enough for a few pobblebonks, given the above provisions are met. Pobblebonks are not communal in the common sense of the word, but do frequently huddle together beneath hide spots. Temperate temperatures (ambient household temperatures for the most part) are sufficient: 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime with a 10-15 degree drop at night.

Diet

Pobblebonks are enthusiastic eaters, diving headfirst onto their prey. They eat mostly terrestrial invertebrates, including crickets, worms, small roaches and spiders, mealworms, wax worms and phoenix worms. They seem to have a preference for smaller prey. As always, prey items should be gut-loaded prior to feeding and should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement once or twice a week.

Caveats

Pobblebonks are quite hardy creatures, but they are shy and do not like to be pestered. They do not do well if they are handled frequently and should largely be left to their own devices.