The scientific species name of the Albanian water frog (Pelophylax shqipericus) derives from the word Shqipëria, which means ‘Albania’ in the native language. This species is a medium-sized member of the western Palaearctic water frog group, and its highly webbed feet are a clear indication of its preference for aquatic habitats.

The back of the male Albanian water frog is green to light brown with relatively large brown or black spots. A light green stripe is sometimes present along the spine. The inner thighs are darkly mottled, and the male also has paired, external vocal sacs, which are light olive to grey. The male usually becomes more brightly coloured during the breeding season, ranging from grass green to yellow-olive, and the spots and markings on the skin are either reduced or completely absent.

The upperparts of the female Albanian water frog are light brown to olive, with large, distinct chocolate brown to black spots. The belly is cream-coloured with very few spots, while the groin area is yellow.