Tomato frogs are fascinating amphibians that make great pets for beginner keepers. Hailing from Madagascar, they’re a tropical species with many quirks, and they’re relatively easy to care for. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about caring for tomato frogs, from their diet to their habitat.
Tomato Frogs Are Good Pets for Beginners
Many people want an amphibian pet, but they find the prospect daunting. This is fair because different newts, salamanders, and frogs have complex needs. However, there are some species that first-time amphibian owners may find easier to care for than others.
Luckily, the tomato frog falls into this category. It’s a popular pet, like the Pacman frog, because they’re relatively low maintenance. They indeed have some specific requirements, but it’s not too tricky to care for them after the initial set up. We recommend getting an expert or experienced hobbyist help you set up your tomato frog’s terrarium. Still, even with some research, it’s not hard to do on your own!
After this, it’s just about keeping on top of maintenance. Clean their tank regularly and feed them properly. You shouldn’t have too many problems if you meet their basic care needs.
Tomato Frogs Have Straightforward Dietary Requirements
Some animals have complex dietary requirements, but not tomato frogs! It’s easy for beginner amphibian keepers to feed them. We highly recommend feeding them crickets, mealworms, and calciworms. You can gut-load these critters with green vegetables to provide a nutrient boost for your pet frog. Also, dusting your frog’s food with calcium and multivitamin powders is a great idea.
Tomato frogs are primarily insectivores, but they may eat small animals, including each other! You may give them pinky mice as an occasional treat, but don’t do this too often. Mice are high in fat, so your frog will be at risk of obesity and its subsequent health issues. Some owners also feed them mealworms and waxworms, but they’re not as beneficial as other options.
You should feed juvenile tomato frogs every day and full-grown adults every other day. Live insects will stimulate your frog’s natural predatory instincts but remember to remove uneaten food after fifteen minutes because they may injure your pet. Owners should only source crickets and worms from respected dealers to reduce the risk of bringing unwanted parasites and diseases into the enclosure.
Tomato Frogs Don’t Require Complex Enclosures
You’ll need at least a 10-gallon tank for your pet tomato frog, making them suitable for apartments and smaller spaces. Remember, you should keep a water dish inside to help maintain humidity levels. The most complex aspects of keeping these frogs are setting the right humidity and temperature levels. They’re comfortable in a temperature between 65- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s some flexibility there. Be careful in areas with extreme seasonal changes because you may need to increase or reduce the temperature for your pet frog.
Meanwhile, the humidity should also be 65 to 80 percent. You can check this using a hygrometer. Mist the terrarium regularly to help maintain these levels. One benefit of keeping tomato frogs is that they’re a nocturnal species. They don’t require special lighting, so this will reduce some expenses for new owners. You should add live plants to their terrarium to create a more natural environment. They will require light, but standard room lighting should be fine. Don’t expect much activity from your frogs during the day because they’re mostly inactive until nightfall.
A Good Substrate Is Important
Tomato frogs love digging and burrowing, so it’s important to get the right substrate. Most people use coconut fiber or sphagnum moss because it’s digestible and helps retain humidity. These are easy to acquire from pet shops and garden centers. Avoid sand or wood chips because your frogs will swallow them and suffer dangerous intestinal obstructions. Impaction is one of the most serious amphibian health problems and may require veterinary intervention.
Your frog’s substrate should be about two inches deep so they can hide. Note that the moisture in the substrate will help hydrate their skin and stop them from drying out. The substrate will also help break down waste from decaying plants naturally.
Tomato Frogs Are Solitary Creatures
One common mistake inexperienced owners make is assuming that their tomato frogs need a buddy. This can end very badly because a larger frog will eat smaller ones. Never house adult frogs with juveniles because they will eat each other if given the opportunity.
They’re solitary creatures and don’t require any company. You may keep a male and a female for breeding purposes, but unless you have an extensive background in amphibian care, you should leave this to the professionals. If you decide to get a pair, we recommend keeping them in a 20-gallon tank or larger. Also, you should closely monitor your frogs because they may still try to eat each other. Be prepared to move one of your tomato frogs to a backup tank if necessary.
You Should Avoid Handling Tomato Frogs
Owners should avoid handling tomato frogs because amphibians have porous skin, and the natural oils on your hands could irritate them. Sometimes, it may be necessary to move them to a backup tank when you want to clean their primary terrarium or for health reasons. Here, you should wear special gloves when handling them. It’s best to keep these frogs as display animals. If you want to bond with your pet, it’s better to get another creature because this isn’t possible with these frogs.
What’s more, tomato frogs secrete a sticky toxin from their skin as a defense mechanism. It’s not very harmful to humans, but it can be irritating, so exercise caution, especially with young children. Always wash your hands, even if you wear gloves, to reduce the risk of getting this toxin in your eyes or contracting salmonella. In short, don’t handle these amphibians unless you absolutely must.
