Non-Traditional Pets: Amphibian Biology and Care

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the unique anatomy, biology, housing, and common medical disorders of pet amphibians based on lecture notes.

Caudata

An order of amphibians that includes newts and salamanders.

Anura

An order of amphibians that includes frogs and toads.

Gymnophonia

An order of amphibians consisting of caecilians, which are not kept as pets.

Metamorphosis

The biological process where amphibians transition from a larval phase in water to an adult form that lives on land.

Amphibian Skin

An organ used for absorbing oxygen and water; notably, it does not have scales.

Amphibians lack ________ or _____, so air is drawn into the lungs through contraction of the floor of mouth

diaphragm and ribs

Amphibian Heart

A three-chambered organ featuring a single ventricle.

Cloaca

The multi-purpose opening through which both liquid and solid waste are passed.

Ectotherms

Organisms that require external heat sources to maintain their body temperature.

Captive animals should never be released into the wild in an attempt to minimize

chytridiomycosis

Adult Amphibian Diet

Strictly carnivores that eat insects, smaller amphibians, small birds, and small rodents (anything that fits into their mouth)

Red-leg Syndrome

Also known as Pink Belly Disease or Bacterial Dermatosepticemia; a bacterial infection caused by factors like inadequate housing or skin trauma.

Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Also known as Metabolic Bone Disease or Nutritional Osteodystrophy; caused by improper husbandry, insufficient calcium and vitamin D, or excess phosphorus.

T/F - internal and external parasites are a large concern in pet amphibians

F - uncommon concern

what insects might frogs be fed

• crickets

• mealworms

• waxworms

amphibian diets should be supplemented with

calcium and vitamins

treatment for MBD or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

Increasing calcium in the diet, strict cage rest and gentle handling, UVB lighting to drive vitamin D production

red-leg syndrome treatment

Antibiotics with isolation to prevent spread to other animals