Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongili) Care Sheet
Tomato frogs are found near bodies of water in eastern Madagascar. They prefer moist areas such as swamps, ponds, and other slow moving water sources. Female tomato frogs are larger and brighter than males. Adults can reach 2-4 inches from snout to vent (not counting the legs). When threatened, tomato frogs can secrete a toxic slime that tastes bad and is irritating.
Temperature
Tomato frogs need to be maintained between 75-80 degrees during the day. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 70’s. During the summertime you probably won’t need any supplemental heating. However, during the winter months you should probably use a low wattage
heat light. A red or other dark colored light can be used at
night and these lights will not disturb your frogs day and night cycle.
UVB lighting is not necessary but is recommended for tomato frogs. The UVB light will benefit any live plants and enhance the colors of your frogs.
Humidity is important and you should mist your cage everyday. Ideally, the humidity needs to be maintained between 70-80 percent.
Housing
Tomato frogs can be housed comfortably in 20-29 gallon or larger
terrariums. The cage should include
plants (live or silk), branches and a water bowl. Do not use distilled or purified water for any amphibians. Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage. Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your frog.
Bedding
We recommend using bark, Zoo Meds’ Eco Earth, or coconut bark. The substrate should be deep enough for your frog to burrow.
Food
Tomato frogs should be fed appropriate sized crickets, waxworms and night crawlers. Ideally, you should feed your tomato frogs 3-4 times each week. These frogs also need a
vitamin/mineral supplement and you should dust its crickets at least twice a week.
Cleaning and HandlingThe terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter or left over food should be cleaned out several times a week. Fresh clean water should be provided at all times. The inside of the
terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat. Tomato frogs can be handled on a limited basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.
Tomato frogs are found near bodies of water in eastern Madagascar. They prefer moist areas such as swamps, ponds, and other slow moving water sources. Female tomato frogs are larger and brighter than males. Adults can reach 2-4 inches from snout to vent (not counting the legs). When threatened, tomato frogs can secrete a toxic slime that tastes bad and is irritating.
Temperature
Tomato frogs need to be maintained between 75-80 degrees during the day. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 70’s. During the summertime you probably won’t need any supplemental heating. However, during the winter months you should probably use a low wattage
heat light. A red or other dark colored light can be used at
night and these lights will not disturb your frogs day and night cycle.
UVB lighting is not necessary but is recommended for tomato frogs. The UVB light will benefit any live plants and enhance the colors of your frogs.
Humidity is important and you should mist your cage everyday. Ideally, the humidity needs to be maintained between 70-80 percent.
Housing
Tomato frogs can be housed comfortably in 20-29 gallon or larger
terrariums. The cage should include
plants (live or silk), branches and a water bowl. Do not use distilled or purified water for any amphibians. Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage. Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your frog.
Bedding
We recommend using bark, Zoo Meds’ Eco Earth, or coconut bark. The substrate should be deep enough for your frog to burrow.
Food
Tomato frogs should be fed appropriate sized crickets, waxworms and night crawlers. Ideally, you should feed your tomato frogs 3-4 times each week. These frogs also need a
vitamin/mineral supplement and you should dust its crickets at least twice a week.
Cleaning and HandlingThe terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter or left over food should be cleaned out several times a week. Fresh clean water should be provided at all times. The inside of the
terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat. Tomato frogs can be handled on a limited basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.
