These are computer-made illustrations, not photographs. No animal was handled, moved, lit or disturbed to produce them, which is the point: an animal photographed for a care guide is an animal taken out of its enclosure.
‹ All husbandry guidesThe numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm
Temperature
24–28 °C day; 20–22 °C night (important nocturnal drop); never >30 °C
Humidity
80–100%; osmosis-water misting 1–2×/day; shallow water dish
UVB
UVB 2–5% beneficial (improves condition and breeding); photoperiod 10–12 h
Identity
Adult size
♂ 5–6 cm SVL; ♀ 6–7.5 cm; juvenile ~1.5 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years in captivity (some sources report > 10 years)
Legal status
Unrestricted
Price (THB)
2 500–6 000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Origin / habitat
Cohabitation
Groups of 2–4 individuals (several ♂ / a few ♀); community species; ♂ compete for ♀ without violence
Difficulty
Intermediate
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Arboreal vivarium 45×45×60 cm for 2–4 individuals; heavily planted; false wall + draining substrate + sphagnum + large broad-leaved plants for daytime rest
Temperature
24–28 °C day; 20–22 °C night (important nocturnal drop); never >30 °C
Humidity / water
80–100%; osmosis-water misting 1–2×/day; shallow water dish
Lighting / UVB
UVB 2–5% beneficial (improves condition and breeding); photoperiod 10–12 h
Substrate / decor
Bioactive ABG + sphagnum + large leaves (Anthurium, Philodendron, Pothos); shallow water area for egg laying on leaves above; horizontal branches
Feeding
Crickets, Dubia roaches, adult sphinx moths; 3–4×/week juveniles, 2–3×/week adults; calcium + D3
Reproduction
Sexing
♀ noticeably larger; ♂ slender, frequent and characteristic nocturnal calls
Maturity
18–24 months
Breeding trigger
Reduction of misting (dry period 2–3 weeks) then massive increase (rain simulation) + nocturnal T° drop to 20–22 °C; nocturnal breeding
Egg laying
Eggs laid on broad leaves above water; 20–80 eggs in translucent jelly; hatching 5–7 days; tadpoles fall into the water
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Herbivorous-omnivorous (spirulina, algae, plant pellets); metamorphosis 6–9 weeks
Juvenile care
Delicate juveniles for the first 2–3 weeks; Drosophila melanogaster + springtails; very high humidity; planted juvenile vivarium
Common health problems
Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
Signssensitive species; PCR at acquisition; strict quarantine
Dehydration if humidity insufficient
Signsdull red eyes, wrinkled skin — increase misting immediately
Hemipenal prolapse in ♂ after prolonged amplexus
Signsisolate and veterinary consultation
Quarantine
Signs45 days; moist planted vivarium; T° 24–26 °C; PCR Bd; observe eye colour (bright red = healthy animal) and nocturnal activity
Good to know
- Blood-red eyes with vertical slit pupil: opened abruptly, a visual 'flash' that disorients predators (startling coloration)
- Laying on horizontal leaves above water: provide horizontal Philodendron or Anthurium leaves overhanging the water dish
- Actual longevity often > 10 years — medium-term investment
Others in this group
White's Tree FrogRanoidea caeruleaAxolotlAmbystoma mexicanumYellow-banded Poison Dart FrogDendrobates leucomelasMimic Poison FrogRanitomeya imitatorDyeing Poison Dart FrogDendrobates tinctoriusGolden Poison Dart FrogPhyllobates terribilisGreen-and-black Poison Dart FrogDendrobates auratusStrawberry Poison Dart FrogOophaga pumilio