Tomato Frog

Tomato Frog key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

3 to 12+ years in captivity

Size

6-11cm

Temperature

24〜27℃

Humidity

70%

Diet

Crickets, earthworms and other insects

Temperature & Humidity

Keep 24-27 C by day with a night drop to about 18 C. Well above 27 C can be fatal. Hold humidity above 70% using misting and a damp substrate.

Enclosure

At least 61 x 33 x 33 cm (15 gallons) for two or three adults. Provide a deep layer of coco fibre or leaf mould for burrowing, hides and a water dish deep enough to sit in, with adequate ventilation.

Diet & Feeding

Crickets as the staple, supplemented with earthworms and waxworms. Three to six crickets per frog several times a week is a guide. Dust with calcium and vitamins, and use a carotenoid supplement to maintain colour.

Temperament

Nocturnal and terrestrial, slow-moving and an ambush feeder. Conspecific aggression is low, but keep animals of similar size to avoid competition at feeding.

Notes

The white sticky skin secretion can cause an allergic reaction in people, so wash your hands after handling. The species is listed on CITES Appendix II.

About Tomato Frog

A ground-dwelling frog native to northeastern Madagascar, known for its vivid tomato-red color. It puffs up and secretes a sticky white substance when threatened, and is considered beginner-friendly to keep.

7 things to know before welcoming a Tomato Frog

1. 1Humidity Comes First

   Native to the humid forests of northeastern Madagascar, Tomato Frogs need consistently high humidity in their enclosure. Use a moisture-retentive substrate like sphagnum moss and mist regularly to prevent drying out, while still allowing enough airflow to avoid stagnation.

2. 2Puffs Up When Startled

   When startled, this species inflates its body and releases a sticky white secretion from its skin as a defense mechanism. The secretion can irritate eyes or mouths, so always wash your hands after handling. Frequent startling causes stress, so handling should be kept to a minimum.

3. 3Females Grow Larger

   Adults typically reach 6 to 11 cm, with females growing larger than males and sometimes reaching up to 11 cm in length. This size difference becomes more noticeable as the frogs mature, making it a useful way to tell them apart.

4. 4Feeds on Live Prey

   As insectivores, Tomato Frogs respond well to live prey like crickets moved in front of them. They aren't strong jumpers and rely on an ambush feeding style, so choosing appropriately sized prey helps prevent digestive issues.

5. 5Best Kept Solo

   Tomato Frogs are territorial, and housing multiple individuals together can cause stress or accidental injury. It's best to keep them one per enclosure, giving each frog plenty of space.

6. 6A Long-Term Commitment

   In captivity, Tomato Frogs can live anywhere from 3 to over 12 years, making them fairly long-lived compared to many small amphibians. Before bringing one home, consider whether you can commit to consistent temperature, humidity, and feeding care over that span.

7. 7Prep the Habitat First

   Because this species secretes a sticky substance from its skin, it's best to have the substrate, hiding spots, and water dish fully set up before the frog arrives. Even though it's considered beginner-friendly, keeping a thermometer and hygrometer on hand helps you track daily conditions.

Frequently asked questions about Tomato Frog

Q.Is the Tomato Frog suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's considered a beginner-friendly species that does well with basic humidity management and habitat setup. That said, it has some unique care points, like handling around its skin secretions.

Q.How large do Tomato Frogs grow?

A.Adults typically reach 6 to 11 cm. Females tend to grow larger than males and can reach up to 11 cm in length.

Q.How long do Tomato Frogs live?

A.In captivity, they can live from 3 years to over 12 years, making them a long-term companion. It's worth considering whether you can provide consistent care over that timeframe before bringing one home.

Q.Why does it puff up its body?

A.It inflates its body as a defense response when startled or handled roughly. At the same time, it secretes a sticky white substance from its skin, so it's best to wash your hands after contact.

Q.Can I keep multiple frogs together?

A.Because they're territorial, housing several together in one enclosure can cause stress. It's generally best to keep them individually, one frog per enclosure.

Useful tools for Tomato Frog care

Learn more about Tomato Frog in the encyclopedia

More in this category