Amphibians are divided into three basic groups: caecillians, salamanders (including newts), and frogs and toads. They are very diverse in their habits and life-sustaining needs, and many do not make suitable pets, as their life requirements cannot be met by the average pet owner.

When setting up a home for the animal there are several conditions that have to be considered. The first, being caging. Most amphibians do well in a terrarium set-up. This can be provided by taking an aquarium of suitable size, and dividing it into two sections: one for land and one for water. Those species of amphibian that are totally aquatic, such as the clawed frog and various newts, should be kept in an aquarium half full of water with a piece of cork bark, or other floating material, provided to give the animal a rest area (it may be attached to the side of the aquarium at water level). Dechlorinated water should always be used for amphibians.

To ensure that the animal does not escape, make sure that your set-up has a lid, as even the totally aquatic species can climb up and out of their aquarium.

Never house different species together, as many amphibians secrete toxins that can be deadly. Secretions from some of the poison arrow frogs, for example, are so toxic that they have been known to kill people if ingested. For this reason, it is especially important to wash your hands after handling animals. Of course some animals should not be handled at all.

Temperature is of the utmost importance when keeping amphibians. This will be determined by the geographical area that the animal came from (don't forget to take altitude into consideration!). A good rule of thumb is: Tropical species (from Africa, south Asia, or Central and South America) generally do best at warmer temperatures, in the range of 75 to 80 degrees F . Temperate species (from North America or Europe), however, generally do best at cooler temperatures, ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F. Again, keep in mind that mountain forms come from high altitudes, which are cooler, and so should be kept at lower temperatures. Find out where your amphibian comes from, and read about that area.

Amphibians eat a variety of foods, however with the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements, this can be narrowed considerably. Diets for salamanders and newts should consist of the following food items: earthworms (cut to an appropriate size for the animal being fed), and an appropriate size of crickets and waxworms. These food items should be sprinkled with a powdered vitamin/mineral supplement, and should be offered at least twice a week.

Frogs and toads do not require as varied a diet as do the salamanders and newts. They will survive quite well on crickets alone, as long as they are sprinkled with the above mentioned supplements. Earthworms can be given as an occasional treat, if desired. Naturally, you should provide an appropriately sized food source for the size of the frog or toad being fed. Some of the larger frogs, such as large clawed frogs and Argentine horned frogs thrive on mouse pinkies and fuzzies. Frogs and toads should be fed at least twice a week.

There is very little known about the disease of amphibians, although with time, our knowledge is increasing. Probably the most important thing to remember to keep your pet alive and healthy is to keep the cage clean, especially after feedings! The reason for this is that amphibians achieve part of their breathing through their skin. If food is left in the cage more than 24 hours, it will rot and foul the water, thus injuring the skin of your pet, resulting in possible death to the animal.

The information on this sheet is applicable to the care of a great many amphibians sold in pet stores. However, amphibians are very specialized, and their needs vary from species to species. Thus, to find more information on your particular animal, as far as specialized needs go, the following books will be helpful.