DUE TO STATE LAW, THIS SPECIES CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO OREGON.

Defining Characteristics:

• Beginner Frog
• Dark green with black spots dorsally, bright yellow mottling ventrally
• Bold
• Voracious Appetite

Name: Bombina orientalis, or the Fire-Bellied Toad, is so named due to the bright red underbelly. 

Certified Breeder Program: These frogs were procured via our Certified Breeder Program. This certification process will allow us to bring a wider variety of healthy, captive bred animals to you, our customers. We stand behind these animals just like any animals bred at our facility. Besides the fact we’ll be offering more animals, what do you need to know about Josh’s Frogs Certified Breeder Partnership? You need to know these animals are from people with the same approach to animal keeping and breeding that we do, are disease free, and most importantly, captive bred! To learn more, please read our blog on the Josh's Frogs Certified Breeder Program. 

Recommended Housing: Due to their semi aquatic nature an 18x18x12 Exo Terra or a traditional 20 gallon is sufficient for several frogs. These frogs are insectivorous and thus need a portion of their habitat to be land. A tank with river rocks sloped to give a land portion in the tank and 1-2" of dechlorinated water. Small pebbles and sand are not recommended as they pose an impaction risk. If the water in the tank is too cool this will discourage frogs from eating so a small heater is recommended in most instances. Water quality is very important to pay attention to as Fire-Bellied Toads produce a lot of waste. Gentle filtration can be used with or instead of water changes. A day/night cycle is important so overhead lighting should be provided for 12 hours of the day and off for 12 hours at night.

Temperature: They do best when kept in the mid 70s. Temperatures in the high 80s F can quickly be fatal, especially when coupled with a lack of water or humidity. Measure temperature with a digital temperature gauge. 

Humidity: Fire-Bellied Toads require moderately high humidity, and are best kept at 60-70% humidity. Providing ventilation is very important - we recommend using at least a half screen top. Stagnant, humid conditions quickly leads to bacterial skin infections in Fire-Bellied Toads. Monitor humidity with a digital hygrometer.

Size: When sold Fire Bellied Toads will be at least 3/4" and eating 1/4" crickets. As adults these toads can range from 1-2" long.

Age: These toads are at least 8 weeks old at time of sale. They can live for over 20 years in captivity.

Feeding: When they first metamorphose Fire-Bellied toads can eat 1/8" crickets but grow quickly and by the time they are for sale can eat 1/4" crickets which they will eat their entire lives. Other feeders can be substituted in such as small roaches, waxworms (occasionally), and Black soldier fly larvae.

Sexing: Female Fire-Bellied Toads are typically larger and more rotund than males and when environmental conditions are met, males will vocalize. Due to their age, Fire-Bellied Toads sold by Josh's Frogs are sold as unsexed animals.

Color/Pattern: In the wild Bombina orientalis is dark or bright green with black spotting and has bright red coloration ventrally. In captivity, the red pigmentation is replaced by a bright yellow.

Social Behavior: These toads do well in groups, but may get a little aggressive during feeding time. Because of this, they should always be of similar size, as most frogs will cannibalize if the opportunity arises. In the wild, reproduction occurs from May through mid August.

Breeding: Breeding occurs after hibernation ends. In captivity, breeding has been known to be triggered by adding cooler water to an enclosure, as well as simply providing a large water feature.

Natural Range: Bombina orientalis inhabits Northeastern China (provinces of Anhui, Shandong, Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang), Korea, Southern Japan (Tsushima and Kiushiu islands), and the Khabarovsk and Primorye regions in Russia. Part of the range in the Lianoning Province, China, seems to be isolated from the other parts. The northernmost locality is Arsenievo Village, Nanai District, Khabarovsk Region in Russia. (Amphibiaweb)

History in the Hobby: Fire-Bellied toads are one of the most common frogs available in the pet trade but historically have been wild imports. 

Links of Interest:

Amphibiaweb

IUCN red list

Still not sure if Pac-Man Frogs from Josh's Frogs are the right pet frog for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!