Description: A small, semi-arboreal frog from Madagascar. Females grow to about 1½"; males are a little smaller. They have a tan to light blue back that can look white in bright light. The belly is pale yellow, the limbs and feet are orange and they have adhesive toe pads. 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 lenghth 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, setup as a planted tropical vivarium or aqua-vivarium with a secure ventilated top, is sufficient for a small group.

Sexing: The adult females are larger and heavier than the males.

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. The numerous eggs will be laid above or near water 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 less than a year.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna