If you have a pet turtle or just planning to have one, adding a different type of pet sounds great. Turtle tanks are usually at least about 55 gallons. That means, there will be a lot of room for the turtle and its tank mate. But it has to be something that the turtle will like.
The best thing to do is to find an animal with the same environmental requirement. If you’re thinking about getting a frog to become your turtle companion, think again. You may have seen a turtle and a frog in the same tank before. But can they live together without any problems?
You may want to try it out if you like to have both of them. But it’s better to read this article first to learn more about them. Although they live in both water and land, there may be a clash between their required conditions. Remember, frogs are amphibians while turtles are reptiles.
Can Frogs and Turtles Live Together?
Turtles and frogs are omnivores and that means that they eat both plants and animals. It’s both of their food sources and they happen to be opportunistic eaters. That means, they will eat whatever is available around them. Both of these animals will seize the opportunity to eat at any given time.
Usually, turtles are bigger than frogs so they will hunt them. It’s a common scenario in the wild and it will also happen when they are on the same tank. Frogs would not stand a chance with aquatic turtles. They are extremely fast in water so they can have frogs for their meal.
However, the interesting part is that it doesn’t usually happen that way. Instead of turtles hunting frogs, it’s the other way around. If the frog is bigger, the tables will turn for the turtle. Instead of eating the frig, they will be its meal. Some frogs can grow up to 6 inches like the horned frog.
Turtles and frogs are both predators so they can’t live on the same tank. If the frog is bigger, the frog will not think twice about eating the turtle. When they encounter one another and the turtle is bigger, the frog will not stand a chance of surviving its powerful jaw.
What Happens When a Turtle and a Frog Live Together?
There are only two scenarios and one result that will happen when a turtle and a frog live together. The first scenario is when the turtle is a bigger or similar size, it will attack the frig. The second scenario is the frog will attack the turtle if it’s bigger.
Both of them will be stressed out living with each other. Turtles and frogs are both predators. Either they compete for food or eat whichever is smaller and weaker. However, there’s a chance for these two to live together. If the turtles are still hatchling since they are not that strong.
Just make sure that the frog will not be big enough to eat the hatchlings either. If they are both small, they will not prey on each other. That will make it possible for them to live together for a short period. When the hatchling starts to grow, they need to be separated for the sake of the other.
In conclusion, if a turtle and a frog live in the same tank, it will be a disaster. An adult turtle can’t live with a frog. They will end up attacking each other and the tank will not look good. Doing this is not a good idea even if you’re already an experienced turtle keeper.
What If The Frog Is Bigger Than The Turtle?
It doesn’t always happen since there aren’t many frog species that are bigger than turtles. But there are some species such as horned frogs and bullfrogs. They can grow between 6 inches to 8 inches in length. If that frog size ends up in a turtle tank, say goodbye to your turtle.
Since they are both predators, the bigger animal will consume the other. As an example, if a big bullfrog and a small turtle see each other in the tank. The bullfrog will overpower the small turtle and become its dinner. You will never see your turtle again since it’s already in the frog’s stomach.
If the frog is bigger, it can also be more territorial. That will create an issue no matter how large the tank may be. If the frog attacks the small turtle, it will not stand a chance. Its shell is not yet as hard as an adult turtle which makes it an easy target for the big frog.
Can Turtles and Frogs Live in a Pond Together?
Yes, turtles and frogs can live in a pond together. You can keep them both since the pond will have more space for them. If you have enough vegetation around it, the frogs can hide. It will also be less stressful for both animals than living in a tank. Here are the things to consider before keeping them both on the same pond.
1. Vegetation
It’s essential for a pond to have enough vegetation. This will simulate their lives in the wild. Plant different aquatic plants in the pond so that frogs will have their hiding spots. Floating plants are also ideal since the frogs can use them to escape the turtles.
The vegetation can also serve as turtle snacks. If they are not hungry, they will not be interested in the frogs as well. In this environment, turtles and frogs can live together in harmony. Although there might be some instances but not as many as if they are inside the tank.
2. Create Separate Territories
Although turtles and frogs can live in the same pond, it’s better to set their boundaries. It’s not a good idea to keep them close. You can have the turtles on one end of the pond and the frogs on the other side.
Doing so will avoid confrontations between the two. That way, they will both be safe from each other. Create their separate territories to have their own spot. Turtles should be on the side where they can have their basking spot. It will help them get the UV rays and heat they need.
3. Clean and Change the Water Regularly
Cleaning and changing the water in the pond is important to keep your pets healthy. Turtles and frogs produce a lot of mess that can make the water dirty. But avoid changing the water frequently. The slightest change can stress them out.
The best part of having an outdoor pond is it also attracts insects. They are a great protein source for frogs and turtles. So changing water too often can deplete their food source. If your house is near the pond, get rid of the mosquito that might be breeding in the pond.
Do Pond Turtles Also Eat Frogs?
Pond turtles eat frogs since they are predators and also omnivores. Frogs are part of their diet in the wild. Pond turtles can usually be found in pet shops since they are popular as turtle pets. They are also one of the oldest reptiles that can live in different environmental conditions.
Japanese pond turtles can also eat frogs since they are omnivores. In the wild, they consume crabs, fish, adult frogs, fruits, and vegetables. Although there are three types of turtles which are the herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. Don’t think that pond turtles will not eat your pet frog since most of them do.
It’s important to make sure to create a separate territory for them. Avoid making them too close to each other. Turtles will hunt the frogs even if they are in an outdoor pond. Creating boundaries for them will help both animals to avoid encountering each other. The frog will also be safer since it can jump away faster.
Can Turtles And Frogs Live in a Tank Together?
No, turtles and frogs don’t have the same living requirements. Frogs also release toxins that can kill turtles. They also happened to be both predators. Turtles will attack frogs for food and vice versa. It’s not recommended for frogs and turtles to cohabitate in one tank no matter how big it might be.
Turtles and frogs will end up with the prey and predator cycle. Only the strongest will survive and the other will become food. If a big turtle tried eating a little frog, it would not stand a chance. Living in an enclosure with a turtle will make the frog an easy target.
Frogs can also release toxins from their skin that can be fatal for the turtle. These two can’t live peacefully since they will always compete for food. It’s also not ideal to have a reptile and an amphibian live on the same tank. They require different amounts of water and temperature as well.
In the wild, it may be possible for turtles and frogs to live in the same pond. But they can’t live close to each other. They need to have separate territories. If the frog encounters the turtle, it has a better chance of survival in the wild than in the turtle tank.
What Happens if the Turtle Eats Frog?
Some frogs have toxins on their skin and it can be fatal for turtles. If the turtle eats a poisonous frog, it will not survive. Dart frogs are toxic for those animals who happen to eat them. This type of frog has toxins that they can release from their skin.
The poison from frogs is enough to kill turtles. Wild turtles may recognize them as a threat so they will not try eating them. For pet turtles, it might not be the case especially if they grew up in captivity. So avoid putting a poisonous frog in the turtle tank if you want your turtle to stay alive.
What Frog Species Can Live With Turtles?
Although turtles and frogs are not ideal tank mates, some frog species can live with them. Make sure to choose a non-poisonous frog for the turtle tank. Below are the non-poisonous frogs that can live with your turtle. Provided that all conditions are met on both sides.
- Burmese Chubby
- African Dwarf
- Bumble Bee
- Gray Tree
- American Green Tree
- Oriental Fire Bellied
- Pacman
- Amazon Milk
Aside from these frogs, the dart frog can also be a good tank mate for your turtle. These types of frogs are only poisonous because of the chemical infilled diets they consume. But in captivity, these frogs will not be poisonous anymore. The bumblebee dart as well as the green and black dart are a good choice.
1. Horned Frogs
You can put a juvenile horned frog with your turtle. But when they become adults, they can grow to 8 inches. That will make them a possible threat to turtles. Adult horned frogs can kill and eat the turtle without hesitation.
They are also known as Pacman and are famous with frog hobbyists. These are easy to care for and can survive in the same environment as turtles. If you choose to add this frog, make sure to use a large tank to avoid encounters with each other.
2. Dart Frogs
You can keep dart frogs with juvenile turtles since this frog can only reach 2 inches. They are smaller than turtles so it’s not an ideal tank mate for them. Adult turtles will think that they are food and eat them. But if you have an outdoor pond, they can cohabitate on that setup.
Dart frogs will lose their toxicity when in captivity. The only reason they become poisonous is because of their diet in the wild. If you plan to keep them outdoors, they can develop the toxins again. They can end up poisoning the turtles during the confrontation. Although they have better chances of escaping outdoors.
3. Dwarf Frogs
Dwarf frogs can possibly live with turtles since they usually live underwater. They are sociable species and like living in groups. That will increase their chance of survival even in a turtle tank. But they can only reach up to 2.5 inches.
If your turtle is bigger than the frog, it will be more alert. These frogs can create diversions if a turtle attacks them. That gives them more chances of surviving. If you decide on having dwarf frogs, you need to bring in a group in the tank.
4. Red-Eyed Tree Frog
The red-eyed tree frog is not an ideal tank mate for turtles. They have different habitats and they will not survive in a tank. These frogs spend their time on trees, unlike other species. A terrarium will work for the better.
Turtles need to swim in water and feed. They also need to have a basking area to survive. It will not be good for them to live in a terrarium. Therefore, these species cannot cohabitate due to their different environmental requirements.
5. Gray Tree Frogs
The gray tree frogs like to spend their time climbing. They are arboreal frogs which means that they can’t live in an aquarium with turtles. It will not survive the turtle tank even if the turtle didn’t try to eat them.
But you can keep a turtle and a gray tree frog in a pond. That will provide enough vegetation for them to climb. The turtle can also swim in the water. The outdoor pond will be the best environment for both of them if you want to put them together.
Turtles that Can Possibly Live with Frogs
Aquatic turtles need to have enough water to swim and a basking area to warm up. It’s not ideal for a reptile to live with an amphibian because of different environmental requirements. Terrestrial turtles can possibly live with frogs since they usually stay on land.
However, turtles eat frogs since they are omnivores. If the frog is smaller than them, they will not hesitate to go for the kill. Aquatic turtles are faster in the water so they can attack the frog easily. They are also not the ideal tank mates since they are both predators.
1. Red-Eared Slider Turtles
The red-eared sliders are one of the most common pet turtles. They will eat frogs when they have a chance. Even the juvenile slider turtles will think that the frogs are food. They are carnivores during this stage and will attack the frog.
These types of turtles can grow up to 12 inches in eight years. It only means that they can outgrow the frog. The red-eared slider turtle may not attack the frog right away. But once it grows, this turtle will immediately prey on the frog.
2. Box Turtles
When on land, box turtles are slower than frogs. Frigs may have a better chance of not becoming its next meal. But if the turtle finds the frog within its reach, the frog will never know what got them. Box turtles can’t stop the temptation to eat the frog.
However, if it’s an aquatic frog, box turtles may not be able to catch them. They are no good swimmers since they spend most of their time on land. African dwarf frogs can swim fast so box turtles can’t catch them and lose interest.
3. Snapping Turtles
Snapping turtles will devour a frog when they catch it since they are carnivores. It means that eating meat and frogs is not an exemption. It can jump high and catch frogs without too much effort. Frogs will not stand a chance of survival with them.
Once a snapping turtle catches the frog, escape is close to impossible. They can snap at any opportunity they have to catch their prey. In captivity, the frog can be eaten by this turtle species almost instantly. Therefore it’s not the best turtles for the frog to live with.
4. Painted Turtles
Painted turtles are not an exception to the rule since they also eat frogs. Although they are omnivores which means they also eat vegetation. But painted turtles are very territorial and they will not just watch when a frog enters their territory.
They can also reach 7 inches in length which is bigger than frogs. Painted turtles have flat shells which makes them fast swimmers. They can catch the frog faster in water and end up getting eaten. It’s not a good idea to add a frog in their tank.
5. Musk Turtles
Bigger frogs may have a chance to live with musk turtles. But if the musk turtle is bigger, don’t expect that the frog will not end up as their snack. Frogs over 4 inches will be safe from musk turtles with the same size as them.
Raising them together is possible as long as the frog is bigger than the turtle. Musk turtles are aquatic so they have a chance to cohabitate. You need to have a lot of plants and vegetation if you want to keep the frog in the turtle tank.
6. Tortoises
Tortoises are not hunters like turtles but they will eat frogs if given a chance. Although their carapace is heavier than turtles which will make it hard to catch up with frogs. But if the frog is within its reach, it will not hesitate to catch the prey.
It’s not a good idea to keep them in the same enclosure. Tortoises don’t live in the water like turtles and frogs. They have different environmental requirements so it’s not ideal for them to share their habitat. They will not be happy to live together.
Will Turtles Attack Frogs?
Yes, turtles will attack frogs since they are omnivores. These amphibians are a part of their diet so they will see them as food. Pet turtles may only eat pellets and plants around their tanks. But in the wild, frogs are part of their meal since they hunt for food.
Hunting small animals is a part of the turtle’s survival. Although in captivity, they don’t have a chance to hunt anymore. Their owners provide everything they need to survive. But the moment you put a frog inside a turtle’s tank, the turtle will immediately take that opportunity.
Animals That Can Live with Turtles?
Now that frogs are off the list, other animals can live with turtles. There are other choices that you can choose from if you want your turtle to have a tank mate. Lizards, snails, and some fish species can be added to the turtle tank.
Instead of a frog, it’s better to add the animals compatible to cohabitate with turtles. That will help your pets to live in harmony instead of hunting each other. It will avoid stress and you will not have to worry about one of your pets getting eaten.
FAQs
1. Why can’t tree frogs live with turtles?
Tree frogs don’t share the same habitat as turtles. It’s the main reason they can’t live together aside from being both predators. These frogs spend most of their time climbing trees rather than swimming in the water. Aquatic turtles can’t survive without swimming in the water since it is essential for their survival.
2. What animals prey on turtles?
Carnivorous animals prey on turtles such as raccoons, coyotes, and foxes. They are turtles’ natural predators in the wild. Opossums eat turtle eggs as well as young turtles. Snakes and lizards also do the same. Turtles still have predators even with their hard shells to protect them.
3. What is the friendliest pet turtle?
Turtles are not friendly in general since they don’t like being handled by humans. But the red-eared slider turtles seem to be more friendly and sociable than other turtles. That’s why they are more popular than other pet turtles available.
4. Do turtles eat frog eggs?
Yes, turtles eat frog eggs in the wild. They eat underwater plants as well. Their diet also includes small fish, tadpoles, and small prey. Turtles also eat salamander eggs as well as insects when there is no other choice. They are omnivores so they can eat both plants and small animals.
5. What animal can break a turtle shell?
For sea turtles, whales and sharks can break the turtle’s shell. Their natural predators are tiger sharks and killer whales who usually eat leatherback turtles. However, sea turtle shells are softer than other turtle shells. They need it to be flexible since they live underwater.
Conclusion
Turtles and frogs can both survive on land and water. But they cannot cohabitate inside the tank. They have different environmental requirements. Frogs will also get trapped in the tank and end up being the turtle’s prey. That is if the turtle is bigger than the frog which is usually the case but it can be vice versa.
In conclusion, frogs cannot live with turtles in the tank. They are not compatible creatures to live in the same enclosure. Choose a different pet instead that will be compatible with your turtle. That way, all your pets will live harmoniously and stay happy with their tank mates.
