Description: A common pet shop toad that is more like a frog than a toad. They come from Asia and are farmed in Singapore to supply the pet trade. The pretty bright green with black spots and marks on the top-side contrasts with the reticulated fiery red and black "flash" colors of the underside. Light to dark brown individuals will often be offered. Adult size is 1½" to 2½". Fairly social and easy to tame, they thrive in captivity and can live 13 years or more with proper care. Active day and night, spending most of their time in the water out in the open but must be able to go on land whenever they feel the need. Avoid handling them as much as possible and be sure to wash your hands afterward, their noxious skin toxins can be irritating to the eyes and mucus membranes.

Temperature: Day 68° to 78°F, 5° to 10°F drop at night. Occasional higher or lower is OK.

Humidity: High, this will generally exist in a semi-aquatic habitat. These frog-like toads will dry out rapidly and die without moisture.

Lighting: Not important, plant grow lights may be needed if live plants are used.

Feeding: Crickets are the main staple diet along with mealworms and various other insects when available. They easily learn to eagerly eat food offered by hand (or tweezers) and will often come to the front of the tank and beg. Dusting food items with a supplement (twice a week for adults and more often for young frogs) is good husbandry and will help keep them healthy.

Habitat: A 10 gallon tank with a cover will work for a couple of toads, set it up as a semi- aquatic habitat with about ½ water and ½ land. Normal water depth should allow them to breathe while touching the bottom with their toes. These are not tree frogs but they can climb surprisingly well, even shimmying up the glass to escape. Land areas must be accessible and aquatic or houseplants with the roots in the water help to create a nice habitat. Under gravel filtration is an effective way to maintain water quality as long as regular cleaning and water changes are performed. Although they like to spend most of their time floating out in the open, hiding places will be appreciated. They can also be maintained in a much simpler habitat with a water dish that is large enough to soak in. The water will have to be changed often.

Sexing: Adult males sing, it sounds like a dog barking in the distance. They often have thicker, stronger fore arms and are usually smaller and thinner than females. They also develop nuptial pads behind the thumbs during breeding time, which is almost anytime! I don’t know why but you are not likely to find females in a pet shop. Almost every single toad will be male.

Breeding: Fairly easy if you manage to get a pair. Condition them well and then provide warmer and wetter conditions plus slightly deeper water than normal. Eggs are laid singly and usually number less than 100. They hatch in about 3 to 6 days and can be fed Infusoria, "Liquifry" egg layer fish fry food or finely powdered fish food. Metamorphosis starts to occur in one month at which time easy access to land will be needed. Toadlets can be fed fruit flies, pinhead crickets and other tiny insects. Their bellies will not turn red unless their diet contains extra Canthaxanthin, which is similar to Beta Carotene and may be found in supplement shops. Either coat their prey with it or feed it to the feeder insects.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna