Best Pet Amphibians [Beginner’s Guide]

Amphibians such as frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders are unusual and fascinating animals. There are literally thousands of different species of amphibians in the wild, but not all of them can be kept as pets.

Of the species that can be kept as pets, not all of them are easy to care for. As a result, not all species of amphibians are suitable for beginners or children. Choose the wrong animal, and you may struggle to meet its needs. In turn, your pet is likely to suffer. And, as a result, you’ll probably feel awful.

But fear not, my friend! I’ve done some research and put together this awesome list of the best pet amphibians. These animals are relatively easy to care for, especially for beginners or children (with a bit of help from an adult).

Of course, you’ll still need to learn about their specific requirements and meet their basic needs (habitat, diet, care, etc.). But cover the basics, and you’ll stand a great chance of becoming a fantastic amphibian owner.

So if you’re trying to decide which pet amphibian is best for you or a loved one, this list is a good place to start. Let’s hop right in (pun intended)!

1. Axolotl

2. White’s Tree Frog

White’s Tree Frog is also known as Dumpy’s Tree Frog or the Australian Green Tree Frog. This adorable amphibian is one of the most popular frogs kept as pets. And to be frank, it’s easy to see why!

Not only are they extremely cute, but they’re also available in several different morphs – just like axolotls! The Green Tree Frog is also one of the few animals on this list that can tolerate being handled from time to time. This makes them especially popular with younger enthusiasts, who seem to get a lot of enjoyment from being able to interact with their pets on a physical level.

What’s more, this species is actually pretty easy to care for. So, once again, this makes them a great choice for first-time amphibian owners – young or old. Of course, you’ll still need to learn about their requirements and make sure they get all the love and care they need. But this species isn’t as fussy as others, and this will make caring for them easier.

All-in-all, their cuteness, the ability to handle them occasionally, and the fact that they’re pretty easy to care for have propelled this amazing animal into second place!

3. Tiger Salamander

Facts

• Scientific name: Ambystoma tigrinum; Ambystoma mavortium & Ambystoma californiense.
• Family: Ambystomatidae.
• Other Names: Eastern Tiger Salamander, Barred Tiger Salamander, California Tiger Salamander.
• Price: 40-50$.

Biology

• Size (when fully mature): 6 to 8 inches / 15 to 20 cm.
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.

Care Requirements

• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons / 40 liters.
• Main Foods: Worms, insects.
• UVB Lighting Required: No.
• Ambient Temperature:  50-75°F / 10-24°C;
• Humidity: 70-75%.

The Tiger Salamander is, in fact, a species complex, not a single species. This means that there are different types of tiger salamanders, all very closely related. They are different enough to warrant their own scientific name but not so different that they would be totally different species.

The three types of tiger salamander are the Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), the Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium), and the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense).

The first two species are the most popular type of tiger salamander with exotic pet owners. The California Tiger Salamander is endangered in the wild and also less commonly kept as pets.

As you’ll have guessed, the tiger salamander got its name from its black and yellow colors and patterns, which mimic those of the feline with which they share their moniker. However, they’ve got so much more to offer than just good looks! They’re hardy, which makes them easy to care for; voracious, so feeding time is all fun and games, and they never fail to garner attention from friends and family.

Tiger salamanders are perhaps a slightly more beginner-friendly option than their axolotl cousins and would make a great choice if you’re keen to get started with keeping amphibians as pets. In particular, they don’t spend their adult life underwater, which means there’s slightly less maintenance. However, be aware that, like most salamanders, they can excrete a toxin through their skin if they feel threatened. So, it’s best not to handle them unless absolutely necessary. And when you do, it’s important to always wash your hands before and after handling them.

4. Pacman Frog

Facts

• Scientific name: Ceratophrys ornata.
• Family: Ceratophryidae.
• Other Names: Argentine Horned Frog, Argentine Wide-Mouthed Frog, South American Horned Frog, Ornate Horned Frog, ornate Horned Toad, Ornate Pacman Frog.
• Price: 40$ – 50$ (or even higher, prices vary on how rare the morph is).

Biology

• Size (when fully mature): 6 to 8 inches / 15 to 20 cm.
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.

Care Requirements

• Experience Level: Intermediate.
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons / 40 liters.
• Main Foods: Worms, insects.
• UVB Lighting Required: No.
• Ambient Temperature:  72-85°F / 22-29°C.
• Humidity: 60-80%.

The Pacman Frog owes its most common name (it has many) to the iconic 1980s arcade game character: Pacman. One glimpse at this amphibian with an attitude, and you’ll understand why. The Pacman Frog is plump and wide and boasts an oversized mouth that would even make axolotls jealous!

As one of its many other names would suggest, this popular amphibian pet would appear to have horns on the top of its head. In reality, these are simply the eye sockets that sit high on the frog’s skull and give it a devilish look! To top things off, Horned Frogs come in a wide array of colors and patterns. So, this creature really stands out in many ways – and that’s one of the reasons we love them!

But Pacman frogs aren’t just cute. They’re fun to look after too. Similar to tiger salamanders, feeding time is always a lot of fun. Their huge mouths allow them to put away food like it’s going out of fashion. It’s incredible to watch a Pacman Frog devour a full-size cricket in the blink of an eye.

There’s a flip side to the coin, tough. These frogs can snap at your hands and fingers if they mistake them for food. I’ve never been bitten, but the bite is said to be pretty painful. So, these creatures are best enjoyed from a distance. The animal will actually be happier if left alone. Like most amphibians, these frogs have fragile and sensitive skin so it’s best to avoid handling them.

Pacman frogs are incredibly popular pets. Their unusual looks never cease to amaze. Their voracious appetites make dinner time a fun moment. And, because they’re best left to do their own thing, they don’t really require much work other than being fed and maintaining an optimal habitat. What’s not to like?

5. Spotted Salamander

Facts

• Scientific name: Ambystoma maculatum.
• Family: Ambystomatidae.
• Other Names: Yellow-Spotted Salamander.
• Price: 30$ – 50$ (or even higher, prices vary on how rare the morph is).

Biology

• Size (when fully mature): 6 to 10 inches / 15 to 25 cm.
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.

Care Requirements

• Experience Level: Intermediate.
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons / 40 liters.
• Main Foods: Worms, insects.
• UVB Lighting Required: No.
• Ambient Temperature:  50-70°F / 10-21°C.
• Humidity: 50-80%.

Spotted salamanders. also known as yellow-spotted salamanders, are often mistaken for tiger salamanders – especially Californian tiger salamanders. And to be fair, it’s easy to see why. They have dark bodies and bright yellow spots. They are also approximately the same length as their close cousins but tend to have more slender bodies.

The great thing about spotted salamanders is that they don’t require a fancy setup. A basic tank with enough dirt for them to burrow, a few plants and features for shade and to hide, a shallow bathing area to keep them moist, and a container filled with fresh, dechlorinated water should be enough to keep those guys happy. You’ll also have to feed them, of course, but they don’t eat anywhere near as much as their look-alikes.

And, because spotted salamanders don’t like high temperatures, you won’t need lights or heating pads to raise the temperature in their paludarium. In fact, keeping it cool is often the main challenge. Indeed, spotted salamanders start to get hot and bothered when the temperature approaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius. It just happens that this tends to be the average temperature inside most people’s homes. So, you need to make sure that their enclosure is positioned in a relatively shaded, well-ventilated place, out of direct light and sunshine.

The great thing about spotted salamanders is that they are very docile. They’re not known to be aggressive or snappy. However, like most salamanders, they can excrete a toxic substance if they feel threatened, so it’s always important to thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling them.

On many criteria, I would classify spotted salamanders as beginner-friendly amphibians. They have pretty basic requirements, they don’t eat very much, and they’re docile and friendly. But, maintaining a cool temperature is vitally important and can be a challenge. And, because there’s a manageable yet moderate level of risk associated with their toxins, they’re not exactly child-friendly creatures. So, on the whole, these creatures are best suited to owners with intermediate levels of experience.