The numbers
Enclosure
Paludarium aquarium 30–40 L; shallow aquatic zone (5–10 cm, frog must be able to submerge and exit) + humid terrestrial zone; solid lid
Temperature
24–26 °C; never >28 °C (stress); never <20 °C
Humidity
Semi-aquatic: dechlorinated water pH 7.0–8.0; humid terrestrial zone; renew water 2×/week minimum (rapid pollution)
UVB
Basic lighting 10–12 h; UVB not required
Identity
Adult size
♂ ~11 cm SVL; ♀ 12–13 cm; juvenile ~2 cm
Lifespan
5–8 years in captivity
Legal status
Unrestricted
Price (THB)
2 000–4 500
Difficulty
Intermediate
Cohabitation
Solitary mandatory (cannibalistic; ferocious bite with its 'teeth')
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Paludarium aquarium 30–40 L; shallow aquatic zone (5–10 cm, frog must be able to submerge and exit) + humid terrestrial zone; solid lid
Temperature
24–26 °C; never >28 °C (stress); never <20 °C
Humidity / water
Semi-aquatic: dechlorinated water pH 7.0–8.0; humid terrestrial zone; renew water 2×/week minimum (rapid pollution)
Lighting / UVB
Basic lighting 10–12 h; UVB not required
Substrate / setup
Terrestrial zone: fine moist sand or coco fibre; water zone: bare bottom or very fine sand; no sharp-edged decorations (delicate skin)
Feeding
Large feeder: earthworms, crickets, Dubia roaches, pinkies for adults; 3×/week; avoid mealworms and waxworms (too fatty); never hand-feed
Reproduction
Sexing
♀ slightly larger; ♂ emits a powerful defensive cry (unique among anurans); no visible nuptial pad
Maturity
18–24 months
Triggering
Aestivation simulation: dry sand substrate, temp 22–24 °C, 2–3 months without water; then flood abundantly with warm water 26 °C + intense feeding
Spawning
Axillary amplexus; up to 2 000 floating eggs in water; remove adults immediately after spawning
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Carnivorous aquatic tadpoles (eat other tadpoles) — individual rearing or very low density; feeding brine shrimp, whiteworms, daphnia; metamorphosis 3–5 weeks (rapid)
Juvenile rearing
Voracious froglets from water exit; mini crickets, whiteworms; separate by size immediately (intense cannibalism)
Common health problems
Irritating mucous skin secretion
Signsrinse hands after handling; never touch eyes or mucous membranes after contact
Red leg (Aeromonas)
Signsredness on limbs — improve water quality; veterinary antibiotic therapy
Impaction if gravel ingested
Signsmaintain bare bottom or very fine sand only
Quarantine
Signs30 days; isolated aquarium; observe appetite (actively attacks prey) and possible abdominal swelling; do not handle without protection (painful bite)
Good to know
- Natural aestivation in the dry season in a mucous skin cocoon — can fast for several months buried in dry substrate
- Bite capable of injuring fingers (vomerine dentiform tubercles) — never insert fingers into the terrarium or hand-feed
- Irritating skin mucus for eyes and mucous membranes — handling with nitrile gloves recommended
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