Description: One of the five species of frogs known to have females that are a different color than the males. This makes them ideal laboratory organisms to study the harmful effects of the hormone-altering pesticides in our environment. Adult males and juveniles are a semi-translucent greenish and as the females mature, they develop white spots, the toes become yellow-orange and the dorsal color turns more yellow-brown, tan or reddish. Size is between 1" to 1 ¼", the eyes have horizontal pupils, the feet have adhesive toe pads and they are good swimmers. These nocturnal frogs spend most of the day sleeping in the vegetation. If well cared for, they can live for up to 7 years in captivity.

Temperature: 72° to 80°F, slightly cooler at night. A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Humidity: Dry season 70%, rainy breeding season 85%. A humidity gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Lighting: Plant grow lights are necessary for the live plants in a jungle habitat, use a timer to simulate the tropics, 12 hours on / 12 hours off. Seasonal day length fluctuations are not needed but could help to stimulate breeding. A dim night light is required for viewing nocturnal activities. These frogs may bask.

Feeding: Small crickets and fruit flies are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other appropriately sized insects should be offered. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing frogs. Clean water must be available at all times.

Habitat: A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group. Set it up as a planted tropical vivarium or aqua-vivarium with a secure ventilated top.

Sexing: The adult females are slightly larger and heavier and have a different color and pattern than males and younger frogs. The males have colored vocal sacs. The call is a "clack, clack, clack, clack, clack."

Breeding: Providing a dryer period of 2 months or more followed by a wet period will often stimulate breeding behavior. The males will start calling, trying to attract the females to the water. As often as every 2-3 weeks, numerous eggs will be laid on submerged vegetation and hatch in about 1 to 3 weeks. Tadpoles can be fed tropical fish food and raised in an aquarium with 3 to 6 inches of water kept at 72° to 80°F. Growth is rapid and after about a month or so, some coloration should be visible. Land areas need to be provided at this time, as metamorphosis will begin soon.

Froglets can eat tiny crickets and fruit flies, etc. Raise them in a setup similar to the adults but with more frequent misting at first. If properly cared for they can reach sexual maturity in 4 months.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna