Lesser Banana Frog (Afrixalus brachycnemis)

Lesser Banana Frog Afrixalus brachycnemis
Name	Lesser Banana Frog
Name Lat.	Afrixalus brachycnemis
Family	African Reed Frogs
Family lat.	Hyperoliidae
Order	Frogs & Toads
Order lat.	Anura
Origin	Africa
Habitat	Humid savanna
Diet	Small live insects
Humidity	60-90 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Easy
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Housing	Semi-humid terrarium
Life Span	3-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	1.5-2.5 cm
Temperature	22-28 °C
Housing Size	40 x 30 x 45 cm
US Units
Size	0.6"-1"
Temperature	72-82 °F
Housing Size	15" x 10" x 20"

Distribution and habitat

The range of the crepuscular to nocturnal dwarf banana frogs extends from southwestern Tanzania through Mozambique and Malawi to eastern Zambia. They inhabit wet savannahs, reed beds, grassy water margins, but also cultivated land where they reside near temporary pools.

Maintenance

For 1-2 animals the terrarium size should be at least L 40 x W 30 x H 45 cm, for a group at least L 60 x W 40 x H 60 cm. The terrarium should be placed in a quiet, vibration-free place without sunlight.

You need a terrarium with a substrate of loose, absorbent, non-rotting substrate such as sand-peat mixture, coconut fibers or sphagnum moss with a drainage, plus pieces of bark, flat stones, structured back and side walls, strongly branched climbing branches, preferably entwined with climbing plants, a dense planting (e.g. Tradescantia, Ficus, Hoya, Bromeliads) and a large, shallow water basin. Potted plants that can be easily removed for cleaning are advantageous. Every day the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water inside (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.

Temp. day: 22-28 °C

Temp. night: 20-22 °C

Humidity: 60-90 %

Thermostatically controlled floor heating (heating mats) is recommended. The lighting duration must be 10-14 hours depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes with low UV content are very suitable.

Diet

The food supply consists of live insects such as Drosophila, flies, ants, spiders, micro crickets, cockroaches, tiny grasshoppers and crickets as well as meadow insects (meadow plankton). After a period of habituation (feeding with tweezers), special ready-made food for insectivores is often accepted. Food should be offered to adult animals 2-3 times a week, young animals must be fed daily. Feeding should be done in the evening hours. It is important to add minerals and vitamins regularly (e.g. by dusting the feeders). The quality of the feeders can be enhanced by feeding overripe fruit and honey water. A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

Males and females are difficult to distinguish externally

At the beginning of the rainy season, after a short cool resting period, the female, ready to spawn, is taken in the mating grip (amplexus) by the male and lays several clumps of eggs (about 100 eggs) on grass or leaves above a water surface. The leaves are folded and glued together to form a kind of funnel. Depending on the temperature, the larvae (tadpoles) hatch after about 6 days and drop into the water below or are washed off. They initially filter microorganisms from the water and later eat animal and plant food. After about 2 months, the transformation (metamorphosis) is complete and the frog leaves the water.

Life expectancy can be over 3 years.

Important

The fingers and toes of these tree dwellers have adhesive discs. To observe the nocturnal animals is recommended to install a special night or moonlight

Afrixalus brachycnemis is sometimes included in the Afrixalus stuhlmanni group in the literature. Prior to purchase, a terrarium should be prepared that meets the species specific needs. Necessary are good ventilation without drafts and equipment for measuring temperature and humidity. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and should be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape

Special attention must be paid to thorough hygiene and impurities must be removed regularly

You can find further literature in your pet store

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: VDA & DGHT (2006): Haltungsrichtlinien für die Haltung von Anuren; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF