The Marsupial frog has a number of fascinating behaviors! Their croak resembles a medium pitched rumble, they're gregarious, and they like to hide. During breeding, eggs are placed into the pouch located on the back of the female. This species requires moderate upkeep and is considered a pet better suited to hobbyists with some prior experience.

Name

Gastrotheca riobambae, Andean Marsupial Frog or Riobamba Marsupial Frog.

Recommended Vivarium Size

Keep marsupial frogs in at least an 18x18x18 front opening tank or a 20 gallon. Frogs can be kept bioactively like dart frogs on a false bottom, ABG and sphagnum. The frogs will utilize leaf litter to lay eggs on. Live sturdy plants should be provided as these frogs are fairly hefty despite their smaller size. Providing manzanita for perching will add more surface area for the frogs to climb around on. If you want to breed this species, you should place a water dish, large enough for the frogs to soak in, into the tank for tadpole deposition.

Temperature

65°-75°

Humidity

50%-70%

Size

Male and female marsupial frogs are both about 2” long.

Age

Marsupial frogs can live between 5-8 years in captivity, but may live longer with ideal care.

Feeding

Marsupial Frogs can eat small crickets, house/blue bottle flies, waxworms (occasionally), and black soldier fly larvae.

Sexing

Female Marsupial frogs have an opening right above the cloaca. It is shaped like a horseshoe.

Color/Pattern

Individuals can range from light grey to dark green with wide dorsal stripes of grey/brown.

Social Behavior

Marsupial frogs are gregarious and do well in groups. Males will call to establish territories but won’t fight very often.

Breeding

Males will place the fertilized eggs into the pouch of the female. The eggs and subsequent tadpoles will stay there for several weeks. The female removes unfertilized eggs with her back legs.

Development

Eggs hatch in the female's pouch; the tadpoles will later be deposited into a body of water to complete metamorphosis.

Tadpoles

Tadpoles will eat a variety of fish food including Josh’s Frogs Tree Frog Tadpole Food.

Natural Range

This species is restricted to the Andes and inter-Andean valleys in northern and central Ecuador from Imbabura south to Chimborazo. (IUCN red list)

Conclusion

While not very common in the hobby, the marsupial frog can make a great pet under proper care conditions.

Links of Interest:

Reptiles Magazine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJr0dCR3Glg