May 16, 2007
Tomato Frogs
One of the most beautiful frogs in herptoculture today is the Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongili, D. guineti, D. insularis). Although not widely kept this frog can make a great addition to any collection.
Natural History
Tomato Frogs are found only in the northwest part of the island of Madagascar. Males of the species average a body length of 2 ? in. Females average 3-4 in of body length. The Tomato Frogs vary in color from a dull orange to a bright red with females being more toward the red end and males to the orange. They are a nocturnal species that is primarily found in forest areas. These frogs are not toxic but can give off a mucous that irritates the mucous membranes.
Captive Care
[snip left][/snip]These frogs can be kept in a regular terrestrial tank or a half-and-half set up. One of the most important aspects of their enclosure is that they must have a soft substrate with which to burrow down into. They should have about 6 cm of a damp substrate mixture with which to burrow down into. This substrate can consist of chopped oak and maple leaves, sphagnum moss and river sand, or plain potting soil without and chemicals. You can then place a few pieces of wood on top and add a bowl of water in a corner. You still must remember to mist the substrate at least once daily to keep it moist with de-chlorinated water.
Temperature inside the enclosure should stay around room temperature. Lighting should be subdued for these frogs. It is also best to have a red or black bulb for viewing at night since these frogs are nocturnal.
Tomato Frogs should be fed a staple of crickets. They should be given some variety by also feeding them wax worms, mice (when they are large enough), and other insects. These frogs are ambush hunters and will rarely chase their prey. They generally will burn down into the ground cover and wait for an insect to pass by.
These frogs are a very beautiful addition to any collection from a beginner to an advanced herptoculturist. There bright coloration makes them an impressive specimen that not every keeper has.
By: Isaac Taylor