The numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm
Temperature
24–28 °C day; 22–24 °C night; tolerance 22–30 °C
Humidity
60–80% (ventilation needed); peaks at 90% after misting; misting 1–2×/day
UVB
UVB 2–5% beneficial; photoperiod 12 h
Identity
Adult size
♂ 8–9 cm SVL; ♀ 9–11 cm; juvenile ~1.5 cm
Lifespan
8–15 years in captivity
Legal status
Unrestricted
Price (THB)
2 000–5 500
Difficulty
Beginner / intermediate (robust species)
Cohabitation
Groups of 3–5; community species; avoid mixing with smaller species (possible predation)
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Arboreal vivarium 45×45×60 cm for 2–3 individuals; high branches; artificial tree hole or PVC for spawning site; water area
Temperature
24–28 °C day; 22–24 °C night; tolerance 22–30 °C
Humidity / water
60–80% (ventilation needed); peaks at 90% after misting; misting 1–2×/day
Lighting / UVB
UVB 2–5% beneficial; photoperiod 12 h
Substrate / decor
Bioactive + robust tropical plants (Pothos, Sansevieria, arboreal bromeliads) + tree hole or vertical PVC hide as spawning site
Feeding
Crickets, Dubia roaches, earthworms, mealworms (moderation); 3×/week juveniles, 2×/week adults; calcium + D3
Reproduction
Sexing
♀ larger; ♂ double vocal sac forming visible bilateral 'bulges' when calling
Maturity
18–24 months
Breeding trigger
Rainy season simulation: reduce photoperiod to 10 h and T° to 22 °C for 5–6 weeks, then gradually increase + intensive misting; tree hole filled with water
Egg laying
Spawning in water-filled tree holes (exclusive breeding site in canopy); 2 000–2 500 eggs; ♂ role = calling and axillary amplexus
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Herbivorous-omnivorous; high density tolerated (gregarious species); metamorphosis 6–9 weeks
Juvenile care
Robust froglets; small crickets + D. hydei; moist arboreal vivarium
Common health problems
Sticky milky skin secretion under stress
Signsirritates eyes and mucous membranes — wash hands after handling
Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
SignsPCR recommended; sensitive species despite apparent robustness
Obesity if overfed
Signsration to 2×/week for adults
Quarantine
Signs30 days; arboreal vivarium; T° 25–27 °C; observe nocturnal activity (nocturnal species); appetite test D3
Good to know
- Milky-white and very adhesive skin secretion under stress — defence against predators; no toxicity to humans but irritating to eyes
- Breeds exclusively in tree holes in the canopy: installation of a hollow trunk or vertical PVC hide as spawning site is essential
- Juveniles display a brown-white livery very different from adults (grey-blue banded) — reassure buyers about the colour change
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