CARE GUIDE
Bombina orientalis
Fire-bellied toads are a small semiaquatic frog species found in northeastern Asia. They are primarily found living in slow-moving bodies of water and temperate forests. Though they are called toads, they are not a true toad. Their green and black skin is covered in small tubercles, giving them a “bumpy” toadlike appearance. They are one of THE best frog species for pets, and a joy to own.
NATURAL RANGE
Fire-bellied toads are one of the most common amphibians in their primary range. They can be found in northeastern China, Korea, southern Japan, and southern parts of Russia. They are highly aquatic and usually found in slow-moving streams and ponds. HOUSING
HOUSING
Fire-bellied toads do not require a huge or complicated set-up! In fact, you can house 2-3 adults in a 10 gallon tank. Make sure they have a large water bowl or area for them to completely submerge, as they love to swim. Their substrate should be kept moist. Spagnum moss, coco fiber, coco bark, and other reptile/amphibian substrates that hold moisture are great for this species. Fire-bellied toads do not require any special lighting.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Fire-bellied Toads can live and thrive at what is typically called room temperature. A range of of 70 to 75°F during the day is preferred. At night this can be as low as 60 to 65°F. These temperatures are within the range of most normal rooms. You should not need to use an external heater unless your indoor temperatures drop below 55°F.
These frogs need a moderate humidity of 50 to 70% which should be maintained naturally by the water in the tank and proper substrate.
SIZE & LIFESPAN
Adult Amazon Milk frogs can measure from 1.5-2.5” with females being larger than males. Milk frogs are thought to be able to live 12-20 years in captivity with proper husbandry.
FEEDING
Fire-bellied toads are opportunistic hunters. They will eat almost any small feeder that moves. They should eat a varied diet of crickets, fruit flies, bloodworms and earthworms.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Fire-bellied toads do great when kept in groups. They will be more active when amongst others of their own species. Like all amphibians, fire-bellied toads have porous skin and are sensitive to oils and other toxins that may be on our skin, so hands should ALWAYS be washed before handling, and they should only be handled when necessarily. Gloves are also a great option to protect amphibians when handled. Fire-bellied toads do secrete a toxin from their skin. While not dangerous to humans, care should be taken to wash hands after handling and to not rub eyes. Better yet, gloves provide safety for the toad AND human.
SEXING
Fire-bellied toads can be sexed a few ways. During breeding season, males sport thick black pads on their forefeet that allow him to get a better grip of the female during breeding. Males also vocalize with a barkey call while females do not, so if your frog is vocalizing, it is a male. Females are also slightly bigger and rounder than males. This can be
easier to see when looking at a group of toads.
