Marbled Rush Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)
| Marbled Rush Frog Hyperolius marmoratus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Marbled Rush Frog |
| Name Lat. | Hyperolius marmoratus |
| Family | African Reed Frogs |
| Family lat. | Hyperoliidae |
| Order | Frogs & Toads |
| Order lat. | Anura |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Humid savanna |
| Diet | Small live insects |
| Humidity | 70-90 % |
| Behavior | Peaceful, nocturnal |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Housing | Humid terrarium |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 2.8-3.8 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Housing Size | 30 x 25 x 50 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.1"-1.5" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Housing Size | 10" x 10" x 20" |
Distribution and habitat
The wide distribution range of the crepuscular to nocturnal Marbled Reed Frogs is in East Central and South Africa, where they live up to about 1400 m altitude mostly near water bodies or in the reed belts of ponds. Coloration and pattern is very variable and there are many subspecies.
Maintenance
For 1-3 animals, the minimum terrarium area is 750 cm², with a minimum effective height (measured without substrate) of 40 cm. This corresponds to a base area of e.g. 30 x 25 cm. For each additional animal, provide an additional 200 cm² of surface area and 2 cm of height. The terrarium should be placed in a quiet, vibration-free place without sunlight.
You need a terrarium with a substrate of loose, absorbent, non-rotting substrate such as sand-peat mixture, coconut fibers or sphagnum moss with a drainage, plus pieces of bark, flat stones, structured back and side walls, strongly branched climbing branches, preferably entwined with climbing plants, a dense planting (e. g.E.g. Tradescantia, Ficus, Hoya, Bromeliads) and a large, 5-8 cm deep planted water basin with an aerator. Potted plants that can be easily removed for cleaning are advantageous. Daily, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.
| Temp. day: 22-28 °C | Temp. night: 20-22 °C | Humidity: 70-90 % |
Thermostatically controlled floor heating (heating mats) is recommended. The lighting duration must be 10-14 hours depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes with low UV content are very suitable.
Diet
The food supply consists of live insects such as Drosophila, flies, ants, spiders, micro crickets, cockroaches, tiny grasshoppers and crickets as well as meadow insects (meadow plankton). After a period of habituation (feeding with tweezers), special ready-made food for insectivores is often accepted. Food should be offered to adult animals 2-3 times a week, young animals must be fed daily. Feeding should be done in the evening hours. It is important to add minerals and vitamins regularly (e.g. by dusting the feeders). The quality of the feeders can be enhanced by feeding overripe fruit and honey water. A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
Males and females are difficult to distinguish externally. Females grow slightly larger, males have a darker colored throat pocket and can be recognized by their loud call
Usually after rainfall, the female ready to spawn is taken in the mating grip (amplexus) by the male and lays 300-400 eggs in groups on underwater plants, stones or wood at the edge of water bodies. After about 6-7 days, the tadpoles hatch, feeding initially on microorganisms from the water and later on plant and animal food. After about 6-8 weeks, the transformation (metamorphosis) is complete and the inconspicuous and deviantly colored young frogs leave the water
The life expectancy can be 5 years.
Important
In nature they often sit on grasses in the sun, so a sunny spot should be set up with a spotlight (30-35 °C). The fingers and toes of these tree dwellers have adhesive discs. Juveniles change color at sexual maturity
To observe the nocturnal animals, it is recommended to install a special night or moonlight.
Prior to purchase, a terrarium should be prepared that meets the species-specific needs. Good ventilation without drafts is necessary, as well as equipment for measuring temperature and humidity. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and should be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Special attention must be paid to thorough hygiene and impurities must be removed regularly
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: VDA & DGHT (2006): Haltungsrichtlinien für die Haltung von Anuren; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF