Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii)

Tomato Frog Dyscophus antongilii
Name	Tomato Frog
Name Lat.	Dyscophus antongilii
Synonym	Madagascar Tomato Frog
Family	Narrow-mouthed Frogs
Family lat.	Microhylidae
Order	Frogs & Toads
Order lat.	Anura
Origin	Madagascar
Habitat	Tropical forest
Diet	Small live insects
Humidity	80-90 %
Behavior	Peaceful, nocturnal
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Difficult
Breeding	Difficult
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	10 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	6-10 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Housing Size	60 x 40 x 40 cm
US Units
Size	2.4"-4"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Housing Size	25" x 15" x 15"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular to nocturnal tomato frogs are found in northeastern Madagascar, where they live in tropical forests near small temporary or perennial waterholes, usually hiding under foliage burrowed in the ground, lurking for prey.

Maintenance

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

You will need a spacious terrarium with a diggable substrate of loose, absorbent, non-rotting substrate such as. Sand-peat mixture, coconut fibers or Sphagnum moss with a drainage and a large, shallow water basin, in addition branched, preferably entwined by climbing plants shelter and climbing branches, back and side wall coverings of e.g. tree fern plates (Xaxim) and a dense planting (e.g. Tradescantia, Ficus, Scindapsus, ferns, bromeliads). Potted plants that can be easily removed for cleaning are advantageous. At least twice a day the inside of the terrarium must be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.

Temp. day: 24-28 °C

Temp. night: 22-24 °C

Humidity: 80-90 %

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 diet consists of live insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches and crickets, as well as mealybug larvae, zophobas and earthworms. After a period of habituation (feeding with tweezers), special ready-made food for insectivores available in specialized shops is often accepted as well. 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 regular and varied diet prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The much smaller males have a yellowish coloration on the back, while the larger females are red-orange. Mating can be triggered by turning off the lights for 2-3 days, reducing the temperature to 22 °C and then simulating rain. The female ready to spawn is taken in the mating grip (amplexus) by the male and lays about 1000-1500 eggs in roundish spawning balls in the water. The larvae (tadpoles) hatch after only 36 hours and initially feed on microorganisms from the water and later eat animal and plant food. After 2-3 months, the transformation (metamorphosis) is complete and the frog leaves the water. Life expectancy can be over 10 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the responsible authority immediately after the beginning of the keeping. It is essential to find out about any bans on keeping or permits for keeping dangerous animals in your state or municipality (e.g. public order office).

Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

Dyscophus antongilii is very similar to Dyscophus guineti, and the scientific distinction is unclear. When threatened, tomato frogs inflate their bodies and secrete a toxic, rubbery skin secretion that can occasionally cause skin irritation and swelling when touched. Before purchasing, a terrarium should be prepared that meets the species specific needs. Good ventilation without drafts is necessary, as well as 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

References

Text: Serena Werle; Image: Helmut Taut

Source: VDA & DGHT (2006): Haltungsrichtlinien für die Haltung von Anuren; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag; HANS-JOACHIM HERRMANN (2005): Terrarienatlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF