Temple of Frogs

Fight through the leaves and branches and discover the beauty hidden within the Temple of Frogs.

Step into the Temple of Frogs and prepare to pay homage to that most overlooked of creatures: the amphibian. Our specially curated exhibition is a real showcase of the diversity and beauty of the humble frog, as well as other rare and exotic amphibians like the cute-as-a-button axolotl.

Frogs may not sound like the most exciting creatures to see at an aquarium, but take it from us, there are treasures aplenty waiting to be discovered in the Temple of Frogs. Learn more about the fascinating creatures you can encounter below.

What is the Temple of Frogs?

“Temple” is no exaggeration when it comes to this enchanting exhibition of our colourful amphibian cousins. This is a place to appreciate the diverse and wonderful world of tropical frogs, salamanders, pythons, snails and axolotls – from the golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) to the barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium).

While the Temple of Frogs may be named after these famous hoppers, there’s more to discover in this tropical zone than creatures that go ‘ribbit’. Encountering our axolotls alone is worth your aquarium entry fee, with these unique creatures possessing the extraordinary power to regenerate limbs.

The Temple of Frogs comprises eight species in eight individual tanks, each designed and retrofitted to mimic the natural environment of the animals they contain. Remember, amphibians require a moist habitat since they absorb all the water they need through their skin, so expect a humid, tropical atmosphere as you explore our flagship amphibian enclosure.

What animals will I find in the Temple of Frogs?

Did you know that frogs account for 86% of all amphibians, with over 6,300 species spread across every continent on Earth, barring Antarctica? As much as we’d love to showcase them all, we are limited to the number of pint-sized hoppers we can admit into our Temple at any one time.

So, rather than attempting to show you all of the planet’s amphibians, our aquarists have handpicked a choice selection of frogs and salamanders from exotic locales around the globe.

This includes the Borneo eared frog (Polypedates otilophus), named for the bony, earlike-protrusions on the side of its head; the green and black poison dart frog (Dendrobates auratus), whose foliage-coloured skin makes it devilishly difficult to spot; the White’s tree frog (Litoria caerulea), often known as the “Jabba the Hut” of amphibians; and, of course, the famous golden mantella, one of the most beautiful and vibrant species to grace our Temple of Frogs exhibit.

You will also find the fascinating Royal Python (Python regius), which is a species native to West and Central Africa. It typically lives in grasslands and open forests, and you may be surprised to know that they are non-venomous. When they feel threatened, a Royal Python will roll into a ball in defence – which gives it the alternative name of the Ball Python!

If you’ve never seen a giant snail before then you’re in luck because our Temple of Frogs exhibit is home to the African Land Snail (Achatina fulica). They have made their way across every continent on Earth, except Antarctica. For this reason, they are an incredibly invasive speices and may even be considered pests in some areas!

If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the Oriental Fire Bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis), so called because of its striking underbelly that is a bright red colour. This is on purpose, as the toad secretes toxin from its skin and the bright colour is to let predators know.

What is the Temple of Frogs’ atmosphere like?

The Temple of Frogs has been specially curated to offer the perfect environment for our amphibian friends, with a series of tropical tanks heated to temperatures in line with the tropical rainforest. Humidity is also closely monitored, too, since a precise degree of moisture is required to keep our frogs, salamanders, and axolotls happy.

When you enter our Temple of Frogs, you’ll need to have razor-sharp focus to catch a glimpse of the elusive species which often blend into their surroundings or hide in the foliage. Of course, some members of our Temple are easier to spot than others – and the golden mantella is almost impossible to miss!

Who would enjoy the Temple of Frogs?

Everyone, of course! While the Temple of Frogs may not be first on your hit list of exhibits to see at Deep Sea World, the creatures it contains promise to put a smile on the faces of adults and kids alike.

As for those with a particular fascination with amphibians, the Temple of Frogs provides immersive encounters with some of the world’s rarest and most captivating species. Remember, too, that some of these animals are highly toxic, such as the Black Legged Poison Dart Frog, which only adds to the anticipation and excitement of such up-close encounters.

Not all that into frogs and toads? Don’t be deterred by our Temple’s name. Remember that the Temple of Frogs is home to other species of amphibians, too, including the frankly unmissable axolotl – one of the most beloved inhabitants of our entire aquarium.

Accessibility

The Temple of Frogs, like all areas of Deep Sea World, is fully accessible to those with mobility issues, including wheelchair users. To find out more, please visit our main aquarium accessibility hub.