Puddle Frog

Occidozyga lima

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

The Puddle Frog is native to Asia. It is widely distributed, from India (West Bengal), Bangladesh, and southern China (including Hong Kong) to lowland plains as far south as Indonesia (Sumatra and Java).

The Puddle Frog inhabits low-elevation wetlands with dense aquatic vegetation, including pools, ponds, marshes, shallow reservoir margins, ditches, paddy fields, and slow-flowing creeks. The species is small (typically only 1 to 2 inches long) and is gray-brown in color.

Did You Know?

The Puddle Frog is native to Asia.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

Populations of Puddle Frogs appear to be thriving in the wild.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a Puddle Frog, ask for proof that it is captive bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.

Invasion Threat Best Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Little Cause for Concern

The Puddle Frog does not appear to pose a threat as an invasive species.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before obtaining a pet Puddle Frog, make sure that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Best Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Little Cause for Concern

There is no evidence that Puddle Frogs are mistreated in the legal pet trade.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Puddle Frog, ask for proof that the animal was bred or collected by a professional wildlife dealer with a permit to sell the animal. Given the lack of oversight, animals in the illegal wildlife trade may be mistreated.

Health Threat Worst Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Significant Cause for Concern

Puddle Frogs are known carriers of the highly infectious amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease Chytridiomycosis. This species is immune to Bd, but the fungus is a significant threat to most frog species. Bd has been linked to massive die-offs and recent extinctions of native frogs around the world. Captive-bred Dwarf African Clawed Frogs in California have been found to be infected with Bd. The species’ release into ornamental garden ponds throughout the United States in the late 1980s may have facilitated the spread of the fungus to native amphibians.

Frogs may also carry Salmonella, which if ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Puddle Frog, ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received. The fungal disease Chytridiomycosis may be harmful to the health of your frog and native frogs. We recommend treating your frog to prevent infection at the time of purchase using an over the counter antifungal. Please review the Terbinafine Hydrochloride Treatment online for more details. To learn more about Chytridiomycosis and the symptoms of disease, we recommend reviewing the information on Amphibian Ark.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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