Description: Endemic to Madagascar where it is found across much of the central and eastern parts of the country. This is a somewhat translucent green tree frog that has a red ring around the iris. The belly is sometimes white, yellow or a bluish color. Females grow to a maximum size of around 2½", males are about ¾" smaller. Their natural habitats include subtropical and tropical rainforests as well as degraded former forests from the lowlands to the highlands. They can be found along streams and rivers where males are often heard to call at night. A number of similar species exist that do not have the red eye color.

Temperature: 68° to 80°F daytime, a few degrees cooler at night.

Humidity: High humidity should be provided, approximately 70 to 80%.

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

Habitat: A ten-gallon tank will work for a pair but a larger and taller tank would be more suitable. These frogs seem to dislike getting dirty, preferring to stay on smooth surfaces as well as wood, rocks and moss as they actively roam about their enclosure at night. During the day, they will sleep on plant leaves or on the glass walls etc. Use thick wooden sticks and sturdy plants with fairly large leaves to make an arboreal jungle habitat. They will also walk around on the ground hunting and going about their business so moss should be used as a ground cover. A water area with flowing water provides a place to swim and possibly breed.

Feeding: Crickets and flies are the main staple diet along with some mealworms and various other insects when available. 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. Using a food dish is helpful and the frogs will quickly learn to utilize it. Clean water must be provided, preferably a good-sized area of flowing water.

Sexing: Males are noticeably smaller and have white "nuptial tubercles" on each hand. They also have a double vocal sack that is bluish. Their whistling call is melodious.

Seasons: (reversed south of the equator). A wide range of lowland and mountain temperatures can be found within this frogs’ natural habitat range. Lowland/coastal: high - January 72 to 86°F, low - August 62 to 77°F. Highland: high - January 61 to 81°F, low - July 50 to 68°F. It is the wettest during the summer monsoon season starting in December.

Breeding: In the wild, breeding season begins in December or January and lasts for several months. Amplexus is axillary with the male riding on the female’s back and usually begins near flowing water. Around 200 highly adhesive eggs may be laid, attached to rocks where there is good water circulation. The resulting tadpoles are highly adapted to deal with the current.
Upon metamorphosing, the froglets are green with yellow stripes starting from the nose and continuing down the sides.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna