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 × 45 cm
Temperature
23–26 °C; tolerance 20–28 °C; never >29 °C
Humidity
80–100%; RO water misting 1–2×/day; shallow dish (RO water)
UVB
Photoperiod 12 h; UVB 2–5% beneficial but not mandatory if D3 supplementation is correct
Identity
Adult size
4–6 cm SVL; juvenile ~1 cm
Lifespan
10–20 years in captivity (record >20 years documented)
Legal status
CITES II (CB + permit)
Price (THB)
3 500–12 000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Origin / habitat
Cohabitation
Pair recommended for adults; groups possible in youth but ♀ may consume other eggs — monitor
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Bioactive vivarium 45×45×45 cm for a pair; 60×45×45 cm for a group of 3; terrestrial floor with humid zone
Temperature
23–26 °C; tolerance 20–28 °C; never >29 °C
Humidity / water
80–100%; RO water misting 1–2×/day; shallow dish (RO water)
Lighting / UVB
Photoperiod 12 h; UVB 2–5% beneficial but not mandatory if D3 supplementation is correct
Substrate / setup
ABG bioactive + mosses + leaf litter + bromeliads + hides (coconut shells, film canisters); dry and humid zones
Feeding
D. hydei fruit flies (adults) and D. melanogaster (juveniles); mini crickets; springtails; calcium without D3 × 4/week, vitamins with D3 × 1/week
Reproduction
Sexing
♂: wider adhesive toe pads on front feet; ♀ larger and heavier; ♂ calls and guards eggs
Maturity
10–14 months
Triggering
Extended misting; provision of spawning sites (film canister, flat leaves, bromeliads)
Spawning
4–6 eggs on a smooth surface (film canister, leaf); ♂ guards and moistens; hatching 14–21 days
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Individual rearing in deli cup (150–300 ml RO water); feeding spirulina, algae, herbivore tablets; metamorphosis 60–90 days
Juvenile rearing
~1 cm at water exit; juvenile box with D. melanogaster and springtails; do not combine different locales
Common health problems
Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
Signsdepigmentation, lethargy, abnormal movements — PCR diagnosis; itraconazole bath treatment
Cloacal prolapse in breeding ♀
Signsoverfeeding or inadequate calcium — veterinary consultation
Red leg (Aeromonas spp.)
Signsredness under limbs, septicaemia — injectable antibiotic therapy (amikacin)
Quarantine
Signs30–45 days; Bd PCR if unknown origin; observe diurnal activity (diurnal species) and appetite; minimum quarantine size: 20×20×20 cm box with misting
Good to know
- More than 100 geographic morphs recorded — note the precise locality at purchase to preserve the purity of each line
- Adult ♀ may eat the eggs of other ♀ in a group — keep in pairs or monitor closely in groups
- Lifespan >20 years documented: a long-term commitment for the keeper
Others in this group
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