The numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm
Temperature
24–29 °C; tolerance 18–32 °C; nocturnal drop to 20–22 °C beneficial
Humidity
40–60% at rest (mandatory ventilation); peaks at 70% after misting 1–2×/day; stagnant humidity = bacterial skin infections
UVB
UVB 5–10% recommended (large species, high longevity); photoperiod 12 h
Identity
Adult size
♂ 7–9 cm SVL; ♀ 10–11.5 cm; juvenile ~1.5 cm
Lifespan
15–20 years in captivity; record >25 years
Legal status
Unrestricted
Price (THB)
1 500–4 000
Difficulty
Beginner (one of the most robust and tolerant tree frogs)
Cohabitation
Groups of 3–6 accepted; very community species; avoid overcrowding (hygiene)
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Arboreal vivarium 45×45×60 cm for 2–3 individuals; well ventilated (screen side) — ventilation is CRITICAL for this species
Temperature
24–29 °C; tolerance 18–32 °C; nocturnal drop to 20–22 °C beneficial
Humidity / water
40–60% at rest (mandatory ventilation); peaks at 70% after misting 1–2×/day; stagnant humidity = bacterial skin infections
Lighting / UVB
UVB 5–10% recommended (large species, high longevity); photoperiod 12 h
Substrate / decor
Coco fibre or bioactive + a few plants (Pothos, Sansevieria tolerating partial desiccation); broad horizontal branches (perches for rest); large water dish
Feeding
Crickets, Dubia roaches, earthworms, sphinx moths; 3–4×/week juveniles, 2×/week adults (obesity common — monitor double chin); calcium + D3
Reproduction
Sexing
♀ larger; ♂ slightly greyish/wrinkled throat; ♂ active nocturnal caller (repeated barking)
Maturity
18–24 months
Breeding trigger
Rain chamber or very intense misting combined with nocturnal T° drop (18–20 °C) for 4–6 weeks; nocturnal breeding in shallow water
Egg laying
Axillary amplexus; eggs deposited in shallow water among semi-submerged vegetation; 200–2 000 eggs; remove adults
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Herbivorous-omnivorous; metamorphosis 6–8 weeks
Juvenile care
Robust juveniles from metamorphosis; small crickets, D. hydei; arboreal vivarium with ventilation
Common health problems
Bacterial skin infections (Aeromonas, Pseudomonas)
Signscommon with stagnant humidity — ventilation is priority; injectable amikacin in case of infection
Obesity ('Jabba the Hutt frog')
Signsgreedy species — monitor skin double chin; reduce feeding and increase vivarium size
Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
SignsPCR at acquisition; itraconazole treatment if positive
Quarantine
Signs30 days; ventilated vivarium; T° 25–27 °C; humidity 50–60%; observe nocturnal activity and appetite; weigh (adult ♀ can exceed 150 g)
Good to know
- Antimicrobial peptides (caerins) in the skin: studied for antiviral activity against HIV and certain cancer cells — species of pharmacological interest
- Ventilation PARAMOUNT: too hermetic a vivarium = rapid bacterial skin infections; prefer mesh front or mesh lid
- Two lineages in trade: Australia (larger, fatter) and Indonesia (smaller, brighter green) — do not crossbreed them
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