The numbers
Enclosure
Aquarium 20–40 L for 1–2 individuals; lid imperative (frequent escapes); depth 18–30 cm; no gravel (ingestion = impaction)
Temperature
22–26 °C; tolerance 18–28 °C; aquatic heater
Humidity
100% aquatic; dechlorinated water, pH 7.0–7.5; gentle filtration (minimal current); 25–30% weekly water change
UVB
Basic lighting sufficient; UVB not required; 12 h light cycle
Identity
Adult size
♂ 6–7 cm SVL; ♀ 9–12 cm SVL; juvenile ~1 cm
Lifespan
15–25 years in captivity; record >30 years
Legal status
Unrestricted (laboratory species; invasive if released)
Price (THB)
500–2 000
Difficulty
Beginner
Origin / habitat
Cohabitation
Group possible (similar size only); eats anything that fits in its mouth — do not cohabit with small fish or smaller amphibians
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Aquarium 20–40 L for 1–2 individuals; lid imperative (frequent escapes); depth 18–30 cm; no gravel (ingestion = impaction)
Temperature
22–26 °C; tolerance 18–28 °C; aquatic heater
Humidity / water
100% aquatic; dechlorinated water, pH 7.0–7.5; gentle filtration (minimal current); 25–30% weekly water change
Lighting / UVB
Basic lighting sufficient; UVB not required; 12 h light cycle
Substrate / setup
Fine sand or bare bottom; hides (upturned pots, PVC pipes); no coarse substrate
Feeding
Carnivore: bloodworms (mud worms), tubifex, daphnia, high-protein pellets; spirulina pellets accepted; 3–4×/week; remove leftovers for water quality
Reproduction
Sexing
♀ noticeably larger; protruding cloaca visible in ♀; ♂ smaller, more active, black nuptial pads on forearms in season
Maturity
10–24 months depending on temp and feeding
Triggering
hCG injection or pituitary extract (laboratory method); or seasonal simulation: gradual cooling to 18 °C then rise to 26 °C + increased feeding
Spawning
Inguinal amplexus; ♀ lays 100–2 000 adhesive eggs on substrate; remove adults after spawning (egg eaters)
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Filter-feeding larvae (algae suspension, spirulina powder in water); metamorphosis 6–8 weeks; very small and vulnerable froglets
Juvenile rearing
Froglets fed brine shrimp, whiteworms, daphnia; rapid growth; separate by size to prevent cannibalism
Common health problems
Red leg (Aeromonas hydrophila)
Signshaemorrhagic redness on limbs, septicaemia — antibiotic therapy (amikacin); improve water quality
Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
SignsXenopus laevis is the presumed vector of global Bd spread — possible asymptomatic carrier; PCR before introduction with other amphibians
Dropsy / subcutaneous oedema
Signsrenal failure or bacteraemia — veterinary care; improve water quality
Quarantine
Signs30–45 days; separate aquarium; Bd PCR MANDATORY (known Bd vector); never introduce directly with other amphibians; observe appetite and posture (abnormal floating = warning sign)
Good to know
- Presumed vector of global Bd fungus spread — systematic PCR at acquisition before any contact with other amphibian species
- Bd carrier without clinical signs: can silently infect much more sensitive species (dart frogs, tree frogs)
- Served as the first human pregnancy test (Hogben test, 1930s) by injection of hCG-rich urine — historically important species in biomedical research
- Dangerous invasive species if released — never release into the wild (Thailand or elsewhere)
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