The numbers
Enclosure
Aquarium 15–20 L for 3–4 individuals (10 L minimum per group); lid needed; depth 20–30 cm (surfaces to breathe)
Temperature
22–26 °C; gentle aquatic heater
Humidity
100% aquatic; dechlorinated water pH 6.5–7.5; very gentle filtration (low current); 20–25% weekly water change
UVB
Standard lighting 8–12 h; UVB not required
Identity
Adult size
2.5–4 cm SVL; juvenile ~0.5 cm
Lifespan
5–8 years in captivity
Legal status
Unrestricted
Price (THB)
200–600
Difficulty
Beginner
Origin / habitat
Cohabitation
Groups of 3+ individuals recommended; social species; avoid fast fish (feeding competition)
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Aquarium 15–20 L for 3–4 individuals (10 L minimum per group); lid needed; depth 20–30 cm (surfaces to breathe)
Temperature
22–26 °C; gentle aquatic heater
Humidity / water
100% aquatic; dechlorinated water pH 6.5–7.5; very gentle filtration (low current); 20–25% weekly water change
Lighting / UVB
Standard lighting 8–12 h; UVB not required
Substrate / setup
Fine sand or bare bottom; aquatic plants (Anubias, Java moss); hides (pipes, flat rocks); no coarse substrate
Feeding
Carnivore: frozen bloodworms (mud worms), brine shrimp, daphnia, small sinking carnivore pellets; poor eyesight — targeted feeding with tweezers recommended; 3–4×/week
Reproduction
Sexing
♂: small white post-axillary gland visible behind each armpit; ♀: rounded, more voluminous abdomen
Maturity
9–12 months
Triggering
Simulation of dry/rainy cycle: lower water level by half for 2 weeks, then add fresh water 5 °C colder and gradually raise to 26–28 °C
Spawning
100–750 floating eggs deposited at the surface during inguinal amplexus; eggs adhere to plants and surfaces; remove adults after spawning
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Hatching 48 h; filter-feeding larvae (infusoria, suspended spirulina) then brine shrimp nauplii; metamorphosis 5–8 weeks
Juvenile rearing
Very small at metamorphosis; daphnia, brine shrimp; slow growth; separate from adults
Common health problems
Dropsy (oedema)
Signssubcutaneous swelling, general bloating — bacterial or viral cause; isolate and treat with amikacin under veterinary supervision
Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
Signsless documented than in terrestrial anurans but possible — PCR advised
Underfeeding in cohabitation with fast fish
Signstargeted feeding mandatory for these poor-sighted frogs
Quarantine
Signs21–30 days in a separate aquarium; check appetite (target with tweezers) and count individuals (tendency to hide); observe posture (swelling = dropsy alert)
Good to know
- Underwater song emitted by vibrating hyoid muscles — no visible air bubble; nocturnal courtship signal
- Very poor eyesight: feed with tweezers or stop the filter for a few minutes during feeding to prevent food drifting out of reach
- Surfaces to breathe air (functional lungs) — keep max depth 30 cm for comfort
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