Furry Diary

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Amazon Milk Frog

Trachycephalus resinifictrix

Also called Mission golden-eyed tree frog, Blue milk frog

SpeciesShort profile

From Amazon Rainforest in South America, including Brazil, the Guianas, and possibly Venezuela and southeastern Colombia.12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Length6.35 to 10.16 cm34
Lifespan8 years35
Sizemedium

Males reach about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), females up to 4 inches (10.16 cm).

Hardy and robust
Bold contrasting colours as juveniles
Greedy and easy to feed
Can breed in captivity
56

Looks how to spot one

Skin

Amazon milk frogs have bumpy, permeable skin. Juveniles show bold black-and-white banding, which softens into browns and greys with white spots as they mature. They have large toe pads for climbing and a rotund body shape.54

ColoursBlackWhiteBrownGreyBlue-grey57

Personality what they are like

Amazon milk frogs are nocturnal and generally calm. They spend the day asleep in hiding spots and become active at night. They are gluttonous feeders and rarely fussy. Handling should be kept to a minimum because their skin is sensitive to human oils and salts.35

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These frogs are nocturnal and need a vertically oriented terrarium with plenty of climbing branches, vines, and foliage. They benefit from full-spectrum UVA/UVB lighting. A large water dish for soaking is essential.65

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Cleanliness is very important. Replace the water dish daily and remove waste promptly. Mist the enclosure to maintain humidity. Handle only when necessary, using powder-free disposable gloves to protect the frog's sensitive skin.53

Home where they are happiest

A vertically oriented terrarium (e.g., 29-gallon aquarium for 2-4 adults) with good airflow. Temperature 70-85°F (day), with a slight drop at night. Humidity 60-80%. Use dechlorinated water for misting and the water dish. Provide hiding spots like cork bark tubes.65

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a variety of live invertebrates: crickets (gut-loaded and dusted with supplements), house flies, cockroaches, earthworms, and wax worms. Juveniles eat daily, adults twice a week. Offer 3-10 food items per frog per feeding.35

Company who they like around

Amazon milk frogs can be kept in small groups (2-4 adults) in a suitably sized enclosure. They are not social in the way mammals are, but tolerate cohabitation well. They are not venomous and not protected, but check local laws before keeping.65

The story where it all began

The Amazon milk frog was first described in 1907 by the Swiss naturalist Émil Goeldi. It has become a popular pet in recent decades due to its attractive juvenile colouration and hardy nature. Nearly all individuals in the pet trade are captive-bred, as wild exports from Amazon countries have largely stopped.15

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Amazon Milk Frog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Tell me when it launches

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Amazon Milk Frog?

Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults do well with feeding twice a week. Furry Diary's starting plan is to adjust frequency based on the frog's age and appetite. Always check with your vet for the best schedule for your individual frog.35 Furry Diary plan

What does an Amazon Milk Frog eat, and what should it never eat?

They eat a variety of live invertebrates like gut-loaded crickets, house flies, cockroaches, earthworms, and wax worms. Never feed them anything that isn't a live invertebrate, and avoid any wild-caught insects that may carry pesticides. Always dust food with supplements as recommended by your vet.35

How much space does an Amazon Milk Frog need?

A vertically oriented terrarium is best, such as a 29-gallon aquarium for 2-4 adults. They need plenty of climbing branches, vines, and foliage to feel secure. Furry Diary's starting plan includes a full clean every 30 days to keep the space healthy.65 Furry Diary plan

What temperature, light or water does an Amazon Milk Frog need?

Keep the temperature between 70-85°F during the day with a slight drop at night, and humidity at 60-80%. They benefit from full-spectrum UVA/UVB lighting, and always use dechlorinated water for misting and their water dish. Furry Diary's starting plan is to check temperature daily and mist daily to maintain humidity.65 Furry Diary plan

How often should I clean an Amazon Milk Frog's home?

Replace the water dish daily and remove waste promptly. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests spot cleaning every 2 days and a full clean every 30 days. This keeps the environment healthy for your frog.53 Furry Diary plan

Can an Amazon Milk Frog live with others?

Yes, they can be kept in small groups of 2-4 adults in a suitably sized enclosure. They tolerate cohabitation well, though they aren't social like mammals. Always check local laws before keeping them.65

How long does an Amazon Milk Frog live?

Amazon milk frogs typically live around 8 years with proper care. Providing a good habitat and diet helps them reach this lifespan. Regular vet check-ups are important to monitor their health.35

Can I handle an Amazon Milk Frog?

Handling should be kept to a minimum because their skin is sensitive to human oils and salts. If you must handle them, use powder-free disposable gloves. Furry Diary's starting plan includes a yearly vet check to ensure they stay healthy without frequent handling.35 Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org: Trachycephalus resinifictrix amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.orgused for origin, history
  2. en.wikipedia.org: Amazon Milk Frog en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
  3. reptilesmagazine.com: amazon milk frog care sheet reptilesmagazine.comused for length cm, lifespan years, temperament, grooming or care, diet basics
  4. sfzoo.org: amazon milk frog sfzoo.orgused for length cm, coat or body
  5. reptilesmagazine.com: amazon milk frog housing and care reptilesmagazine.comused for lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
  6. nwzoo.com: NWZoo Amazon Milk Frog Care nwzoo.comused for best traits, activity needs, habitat needs, social needs, fun fact
  7. resourcelibrary.clevelandmetroparks.com: 12 resourcelibrary.clevelandmetroparks.comused for colours, fun fact
  8. journals.ku.edu: 14047 journals.ku.edu
  9. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.