Defining Characteristics: 

• VERY RARE IN CAPTIVITY
• Orange, Brown, Black Coloration
• Bold
• Easy to Breed
• Moderately Loud Call
• Great in Groups
• Nocturnal

Name: Theloderma stellatum is a close relative of the ever popular Vietnamese Mossy Frog. Literally translating to 'Nipple Skin', the genus Theloderma is known for their unusual, bumpy texture.

Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for 2-4 Tonkin Bug Eyed Frogs, but Josh's Frogs recommends a 20H or 18x18x18 Exo Terra Glass Terrarium, as it will allow for easier cleaning. Here at Josh's Frogs we keep our Theloderma over water.

Temperature: They can tolerate a temperature range of 50 F to the high 70s F, but prefer temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s are ideal. Temperatures over 80F are dangerous. 

Humidity: Like most frogs, Tonkin Bug Eyed frogs prefer a humidity range of 70 – 100%, but can tolerate humidity down to 50% for short periods of time if the frogs have access to water. Low humidity levels, especially without access to water, can quickly be fatal. Theloderma stellatum is a fairly aquatic frog, easily spending most of it's time at the water's edge, or even underwater.

Size: Adult female Theloderma stellatum frogs are larger, measuring in at approximately 1.75 inches. Male Theloderma stellatum are a bit smaller, averaging about 1.25-1.5 inches at maturity. Tonkin Bug Eyed Frogs do tend to sex out male heavy - because of this, we recommend getting a large group.

Age: Theloderma stellatum is capable of living over 5 years in captivity under ideal conditions. This species is very uncommon in the hobby, and actual longevity expectations are unavailable. The Theloderma stellatum sold at Josh's Frogs are 2-3 months old.

Feeding: At Josh's Frogs, we feed our Tonkin Bug Eyed Frogs dusted crickets. At 3/4", juvenile bug eyed frogs can easily take 1/8" crickets, and even 1/4" crickets! Adults can consume 1/2" crickets. Make sure to dust all prey items with a quality vitamin/mineral supplement. We place the crickets in floating food bowls in the Theloderma stellatum habitat, to prevent crickets from drowning and fouling the water. To learn more about feeding these frogs, please watch our video on How to Feed Reed Frogs. We use the same technique with Theloderma stellatum.

Sexing: They are not sexable until 6-8 months of age. Male Tonkin Bug Eyed frogs tend to be a bit smaller than females, which often appear both longer and wider. Males tend to have a red nuptial pad on the inside of each front foot, that is bright red and swollen during breeding season, which can occur year round. Males also have a soft, hooting call, similar to an owl. Females appear very round at maturity, as they seemingly always are producing eggs.

Color/Pattern: Theloderma stellatum is a very contrasting frog when young, resembling its sister species Theloderma asperum. 

Social Behavior: These frogs do well housed in groups their entire life, as long as enough space is provided. While mossy frogs can breed in a pair just fine, Josh's Frogs recommends purchasing multiple frogs if you are interested in breeding them. Bug Eyed Frogs breed great in groups.

Breeding: Theloderma frogs can be a challenge to breed. Still quite rare in the hobby, Theloderma stellatum is a tree hole breeder. They prefer to lay eggs above water filled tree holes in dead trees, where the tadpoles drop down into the water below. These tree holes are often rather disgusting as far as water quality goes, and are filled with nutritious insect larvae. Here at Josh's Frogs we use round cork tubes to mimic tree holes.

Natural Range: The Tonkin Bug Eyed Frog is native to Thailand and southern Vietnam, where it lives in evergreen forests.

History in the Hobby: Theloderma stellatum is very rare in the US herp hobby. As far as we know, Josh's Frogs is the only place that has them breeding on a regular basis. 

Links of Interest:

IUCN Article on Theloderma stellatum

Still not sure if Tonkin Bug Eyed Frogs from Josh's Frogs are the right frog for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!