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Amphibian Biology and Husbandry
F. Harvey Pough
ILAR Journal Volume 48, Number 3, Pp. 203-213, 2007
Abstract
Extant amphibians comprise three lineages—salamanders
(Urodela or Caudata), frogs and toads (Anura), and caecilians
(Gymnophiona, Apoda, or Caecilia)—which contain
more than 6000 species. Fewer than a dozen species of
amphibians are commonly maintained in laboratory colonies,
and the husbandry requirements for the vast majority
of amphibians are poorly known. For these species, a review
of basic characteristics of amphibian biology supplemented
by inferences drawn from the morphological and physiological
characteristics of the species in question provides a
basis for decisions about housing and feeding. Amphibians
are ectotherms, and their skin is permeable to water, ions,
and respiratory gases. Most species are secretive and, in
many cases, nocturnal. The essential characteristics of their
environment include appropriate levels of humidity, temperature,
and lighting as well as retreat sites. Terrestrial and
arboreal species require moist substrates, water dishes, and
high relative humidity. Because temperature requirements
for most species are poorly known, it is advisable to use a
temperature mosaic that will allow an animal to find an
appropriate temperature within its cage. Photoperiod may
affect physiology and behavior (especially reproduction and
hibernation), and although the importance of ultraviolet
light for calcium metabolism by amphibians is not yet
known, ecological observations suggest that it might be important
for some species of frogs. Some amphibians are
territorial, and some use olfactory cues to mark their territory
and to recognize other individuals of their species. All
amphibians are carnivorous as adults, and the feeding response
of many species is elicited by the movement of prey.
Diets should include a mixture of prey species, and it may
be advisable to load prey with vitamins and minerals.
F. Harvey Pough
ILAR Journal Volume 48, Number 3, Pp. 203-213, 2007
Abstract
Extant amphibians comprise three lineages—salamanders
(Urodela or Caudata), frogs and toads (Anura), and caecilians
(Gymnophiona, Apoda, or Caecilia)—which contain
more than 6000 species. Fewer than a dozen species of
amphibians are commonly maintained in laboratory colonies,
and the husbandry requirements for the vast majority
of amphibians are poorly known. For these species, a review
of basic characteristics of amphibian biology supplemented
by inferences drawn from the morphological and physiological
characteristics of the species in question provides a
basis for decisions about housing and feeding. Amphibians
are ectotherms, and their skin is permeable to water, ions,
and respiratory gases. Most species are secretive and, in
many cases, nocturnal. The essential characteristics of their
environment include appropriate levels of humidity, temperature,
and lighting as well as retreat sites. Terrestrial and
arboreal species require moist substrates, water dishes, and
high relative humidity. Because temperature requirements
for most species are poorly known, it is advisable to use a
temperature mosaic that will allow an animal to find an
appropriate temperature within its cage. Photoperiod may
affect physiology and behavior (especially reproduction and
hibernation), and although the importance of ultraviolet
light for calcium metabolism by amphibians is not yet
known, ecological observations suggest that it might be important
for some species of frogs. Some amphibians are
territorial, and some use olfactory cues to mark their territory
and to recognize other individuals of their species. All
amphibians are carnivorous as adults, and the feeding response
of many species is elicited by the movement of prey.
Diets should include a mixture of prey species, and it may
be advisable to load prey with vitamins and minerals.
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