Can You Keep Multiple Tree Frogs Together?
Tree frogs are always considered as one of the best choices to keep as pet frogs. They are easy to be taken care of. And for that reason, many frog keepers believe that itโd be quite easy to keep multiple tree frogs inside a captive. But there are some serious controversies in the frog ownersโ community on whether you can keep them together or not.
Some tree frog species can live together while some canโt. However, multiple tree frogs of the same species can be kept together.
To know further, read the article below.
When Is It Possible To Keep Tree Frogs Together?
Itโs a great idea to create a colony of different frogs. But make sure they can reside together. There are several things to keep in mind before putting multiple tree frogs in one terrarium. The Factors are:
- Understanding which species can live together.
- Size of the frogs and Cannibalism.
- Difference in care
- Conflicting temperature, lighting, humidity requirements.
- Frog poisons.
- Dietary differences.
- Breeding.
Which Species Of Tree Frogs Can Live Together?
Before making a communal tank, you need to know about tree frog species that can live together. Some Tree frog species are so friendly and can live with other friendly species in harmony.
Some species like can live together with other species when they are young. But you need to shift them to another tank after they grow up.
Hereโs a list of frogs that can live together happily in a communal tank:
- American Green Tree Frog.
- Barking Tree Frogs.
- Grey Tree Frogs.
- Red-eyed tree frogs.
- White Lipped Tree Frogs.
But that doesnโt mean they can live together irrespective of situations. There is still a lot to keep in mind. Many people put Big-eyed Tree Frogs with these species. Thatโs one terrible mistake. Big-eyed Tree frogs are usually smaller in size and cannot live with other species.
Multiple male frogs in a terrarium can result in competition, excessive croaking, and dominance displays which can be problematic for breeding.
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Sizes Of The Tree Frogs And Cannibalism
Frogs possess cannibalism. They can even eat their own tadpoles. So itโll come as a great shock for you to see your Green Tree frog, eating your big-eyed tree frog. They can literally fit everything inside their mouth.
So even though some species can live together, their size plays an important role here. Frogs that are 4 inches or above should be kept separate from those sized less than 3 inches.
Tree frogs secrete poison from their skin which can affect other frogs if they come into contact with it.
Difference In Care
Before putting multiple tree frogs together make sure they need the same amount of care and effort. Many Tree frogs require different types of care than others. That is what makes it so tough to keep multiple tree frogs together.
You have to know about the husbandry needs of those species. Many tree frogs require more lights, more water, and more food, while others are nocturnal and donโt require much water and food.
Many tree frog species are more swift, aggressive, and powerful than the others. It has a direct effect on their dietary habits. It doesnโt allow the proper distribution of food inside the tank. This will lead to malnutrition and physical weakness in the smaller ones.
Different Needs Inside The Terrarium
Many tree frog owners believe that making one big terrarium for all their frogs instead of an individual enclosure is an easy choice. But this is never an easy choice. Making a terrarium suitable for multiple tree frog species requires a lot of knowledge and money.
The reason itโs so hard is that while addressing all the facilities inside one enclosure, you may harm other inhabitants.
Temperature is one key factor here. Many tree frogs require a colder temperature than the others. So you have to keep an optimum temperature for both frog species.
Some tree frogs require UVB lighting while others donโt. So while making a terrarium, make sure that youโre providing a UVB light source and not covering the tank top with solid glass.
Hereโs a chart showing the different needs of two different tree frog species:
Aspects | Green Tree Frog | Whites Dumpy Tree Frog |
---|---|---|
Temperature | Not Below 70 Degrees | 68-77 degrees |
Humidity | 50 to 100% | 50-70% |
Lighting | Not necessary | Fluorescent UVB lighting |
Size | 2 and ยฝ inches | 4-6 inches |
You can clearly see the differences between these two species. So itโll be extremely difficult to maintain both of these criteria.ย ย
Creating a terrarium suitable for multiple species requires extensive knowledge and financial investment.
Tree Frog & Poison
You have probably heard about this. Frogs secret some kind of poisonous substances from their skin. This poison differs from species to species. When they come in contact with predators, humans, and other frog species, they use this poison.
We know that frogs are Amphibians. They absorb almost everything through their skin. So, whenever a frog secret poisons to harm another frog, it absorbs the poison unknowingly. There might not be an immediate effect, but it slowly disrupts the normal physiological activities inside a frog.
A frog usually lives for roughly around 16-25 years. But the absorption of other tree frogโs poison will gradually decrease it. The frog will become weaker and will probably stop eating.
So, before putting multiple tree frog species together, make sure their poisons do not harm each other.
Problems In Breeding While Keeping Multiple Tree Frogs
If you are looking forward to breeding your tree frog pair, you should never keep other tree frogs in that terrarium. Male frogs have a tendency to compete with each other to attract female mates.
So if you keep multiple male frogs inside an enclosure, you will experience extreme croaking. Besides, male tree frogs try to force their dominance on each other. So it is wise to not keep more than one male tree frog inside a gallon.
Tree frogs or frogs, in general, do not show parental behaviors after their eggs are hatched. They may eat their own tadpoles. So keeping an extra frog will increase the risk even more.
Keeping multiple frog species together is risky and requires daily observation to ensure they are not stressed or facing other problems due to cohabitation.
Can You Keep Multiple Tree Frogs Of The Same Species Together?
YES, but not always. Some tree frog species prefer living alone. Tree frog species like Green tree frogs and whites Dumpy tree frogs can live together with a community.
Itโs a better choice than keeping multiple species together. Frogs of the same species require the same environmental setup, same enclosure, same care, and dietary habit.
Keep Observing The Tree Frogs
Hereโs the deal. Keeping multiple frog species together is always risky for your frogs. But, if you want to go for it, make sure youโre observing them every day. See whether they are stressed due to the presence of other frogs. Stress in frogs can lead to severe problems and even death.
Keep a vigilant eye on their diet, behavior, physical appearance, color change, and croaking.
Will Tree Frogs Eat Each Other?
Generally, tree frogs are insectivores. Itโs a pretty obvious thing for all species of frogs to eat other frogs when they fit in their mouth. So, tree frogs arenโt an exception to cannibalism.
Tree frogs will eat each other if food is scarce. Sometimes, the larger species of tree frogs tend to consume smaller species of tree frogs. Moreover, itโs pretty common for adult tree frogs to consume their tadpoles and frog eggs.
For example, Cuban tree frogs show their cannibalistic trait by eating other tree frogs that fit in their mouth. The same thing goes for other larger tree frog species like the Whiteโs Tree frog.
Tree frogs can exhibit cannibalistic behaviors, with larger ones potentially consuming smaller ones.
How Many White Tree Frogs Can Live Together?
White tree frogs are popular tree frog species that can reach up to 4 inches. Since White’s tree frogs are communal, these frogs do well in groups.
You can house 3-4 White tree frogs together in an enclosure. But, you should remain concerned about their size. These frogs do not hesitate to gobble up their species of frog when it fits in their mouth. Hence, you should keep together Whiteโs tree frogs of similar size.
Can White Tree Frogs Live Together?
You might know Whiteโs tree frogs as social and docile frogs. Many hobbyists wonder whether they can cohabit with White’s tree frogs together.
Because of being social frogs, Whiteโs tree frogs love to live in pairs. You can make a community tank with multiple White tree frogs together.
But, you shouldnโt overlook the cannibalistic trait of White’s tree frogs. For this reason, you must not keep smaller Whites tree frogs with larger Whites tree frogs. Since an adult White’s tree frog can reach up to 4.5 inches, keeping unequal-sized frogs can lead to eating each other.
Some species like White Tree Frogs, Green Tree Frogs, and Red-eyed Tree Frogs are more social and can live together, provided they have adequate space and similar sizes.
How Many Green Tree Frogs Can Live Together?
Green tree frogs are another timid frogs that do not require much maintenance. You can house multiple Green tree frogs together since these frogs are social.
You can keep around 4-6 Green tree frogs together in a tank. A group of a maximum of 8 Green tree frogs can live together.
Depending on the number of frogs, you should choose the right-sized terrarium. Sometimes, the male Green tree frogs can involve in physical combat. If you notice such aggression in the behavior, you should separate your Green tree frogs into different tanks.
Can Red-eyed Tree Frogs Live Together?
Who doesnโt want to keep several green-bodied tree frogs that have red eyes? Although many tree frogs like to live alone, red-eyed tree frogs are social creatures.
You can house multiple red-eyed tree frogs together. In the wild, there remain up to 20 red-eyed tree frogs in a colony. Sometimes, families of red-eyed tree frogs are observed, including father, mother, and offspring red-eyed tree frogs.
If you want to cohabit with multiple red-eyed tree frogs together, all you need will be adequate space. Providing enough space to hide and climb in the terrarium, you can add as many as red-eyed tree frogs as you want.
Size plays a critical role in cohabitation; it’s advised to keep frogs that are 4 inches or above separate from those sized less than 3 inches.
What Amphibians Can Live Together?
Not all amphibians like to share their territory with others. You can coexist with social amphibians together that share similar diets, requirements, and temperaments.
Iโve made a small list of amphibians that can coexist together. These are-
- Red-eyed tree frogs
- Banded bullfrogs
- Grey tree frogs
- White-lipped tree frogs
- Barking tree frogs
- American green tree frogs
- Barking tree frogs
- Waxy monkey tree frogs
- Dart frogs
- Pacman frogs
- Burmese chubby frogs
If you are interested to know the details, you can check out this write-up: what frogs can live together peacefully? (Pair combinations)
Can White Tree Frogs Live Alone?
The answer is yes! You can keep one Whites tree frog alone in a tank.
These Whites tree frogs are shy and docile creatures. Housing Whiteโs tree frogs alone will not affect their survival. But, these frogs do best in the community.
Besides other tree frogs, certain small reptiles, insects, invertebrates, and land snails can coexist with tree frogs if their environmental requirements are similar.
Can Toads And Tree Frogs Live Together?
You might know that tree frogs are arboreal. On the other hand, toads live a terrestrial life. Although some hobbyists keep toads and tree frogs together, these two habitats do not get along well. Their requirements of temperature and humidity may vary from species to species.
The main drawback to keeping toads and tree frogs together is their lacking of interaction. Since toads and tree frogs want to create their territory, it can lead to fighting between these two inhabitants.
Also, toads tend to release toxins whenever they feel threatened. The toxins can be fatal for your tree frogs. Keeping these different animals together can spread cross-species transmission.
However, toads can grow up to 6 inches in length. On the contrary, tree frogs can reach up to only 2 inches. So, thereโs a huge risk of toads eating up your tree frogs. Thatโs why the experts discourage cohabiting toads and tree frogs together.
Can different species of frogs live together?
It is possible for different species of frogs to live together, but it is important to consider their compatibility and potential exposure to foreign pathogens. Some species are more aggressive while others prefer solitude.
It is also possible to keep smaller species of tree frogs with dart frogs.
What can live with tree frogs?
Tree frogs can coexist with a variety of other animals, depending on their habitat and specific needs. Here are some examples of creatures that can potentially live with tree frogs:
Other Tree Frogs: Different species of tree frogs can often coexist together, as long as their environmental requirements are similar. However, itโs important to research the specific needs of each species to ensure compatibility.
Insects and Invertebrates: Tree frogs feed primarily on insects, so having a population of small invertebrates like crickets, fruit flies, and mealworms can provide a natural food source for them. These creatures can often be housed in separate enclosures within the same overall habitat.
Small Reptiles: Some small reptiles, such as geckos or anoles, can share a habitat with tree frogs if the enclosure is large enough to accommodate both speciesโ needs. However, itโs essential to monitor their interactions closely to prevent any aggression or stress.
Land Snails: Land snails can help maintain humidity levels in the enclosure, and they generally do not pose a threat to tree frogs. They can coexist peacefully and add to the overall aesthetics of the habitat.
Live Plants: Incorporating live plants in the enclosure not only enhances the natural environment but also provides hiding spots and climbing opportunities for the tree frogs. It can create a more natural and enriching habitat for them.
Itโs important to note that when housing different species together, you should thoroughly research the specific requirements of each animal to ensure their needs are met.
What are the types of tree frogs?
There are numerous species of tree frogs found across the world, each with its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences. Here are some popular types of tree frogs:
Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas): Known for its vibrant colors and large red eyes, the red-eyed tree frog is native to Central America and is one of the most recognizable tree frog species.
Whiteโs Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea): Also called the dumpy tree frog or Australian green tree frog, Whiteโs tree frog is a popular pet species known for its stout body and calm temperament. It is native to Australia and New Guinea.
Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea): Found throughout the southeastern United States, the green tree frog is a common species known for its bright green coloration. It is an excellent climber and often found near bodies of water.
Waxy Monkey Tree Frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii): This species, native to South America, gets its name from the waxy secretion it produces on its skin. It has a unique appearance with bright red eyes and a vibrant green body.
Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor): The gray tree frog is a small species native to North America. It has the ability to change its color from gray to green, providing excellent camouflage among trees and foliage.
Golden Tree Frog (Phyllobates terribilis): Also known as the golden poison frog, this species is highly toxic. It is native to the rainforests of Colombia and is considered one of the most poisonous animals on Earth.
Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): Originally from Cuba, this species has become an invasive species in certain regions. It has a wide range of color variations, ranging from green to brown.
Barking Tree Frog (Hyla gratiosa): Native to the southeastern United States, the barking tree frog derives its name from its distinctive call, which resembles the sound of a dogโs bark.
How many Red-eyed tree frogs can live together?
A general guideline is to have a minimum of 10 gallons of space per red-eyed tree frog to ensure each individual has enough territory and room to thrive.
Red-eyed tree frogs can be kept together in groups, but the number of frogs that can live harmoniously depends on factors such as the size of the enclosure and availability of resources.
These frogs have some degree of territorial behavior, especially during breeding seasons, so providing a spacious enclosure with multiple hiding spots and climbing areas is essential to minimize conflicts.
Can tree frogs recognize their owners?
Tree frogs, as amphibians, do not possess the same level of cognitive abilities and recognition as mammals or some other higher-order animals.
Therefore, they do not typically have the ability to recognize individual humans as their owners. Unlike domesticated mammals like dogs or cats, tree frogs do not form the same kind of strong social bonds or have the capacity for complex social recognition.
However, tree frogs may become accustomed to the presence of their caretakers through regular interaction and handling. They might associate certain stimuli, such as the sound or sight of their owner, with positive experiences such as feeding or gentle handling.
Over time, they may become less stressed or more comfortable with familiar humans due to repeated positive interactions. While this can lead to a level of familiarity and decreased stress response, it should not be mistaken for a recognition of individual owners in the same way that some domesticated mammals like cat or dog do.
Conclusion
In my opinion, keeping multiple tree frogs together is something that an expert should do only. Because of the amount of time, effort, and money it requires. Besides, the process includes a lot of risk factors for your frogs.
So, it is wiser to keep tree frogs individually in different gallons. It will save both your money and time and also ensure a happy, uncomplicated journey.
About Author
Hello, I’m Muntaseer Rahman, the owner of AcuarioPets.com. I’m passionate about aquarium pets like shrimps, snails, crabs, and crayfish. I’ve created this website to share my expertise and help you provide better care for these amazing pets.
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