Tomato Frog

Looks how to spot one

skin

A plump, round-bodied frog with a short head and broad body. The skin is smooth and moist, typical of amphibians. When threatened, the frog can inflate its body and secrete a sticky white substance from its skin.35

Personality what they are like

Tomato frogs are nocturnal and secretive, spending most of the day buried in substrate or hiding under leaves. They are ambush predators and are generally calm, but they do not enjoy being handled. When stressed, they may inflate and release a sticky white secretion. They are solitary and can be cannibalistic, so they are best kept alone or in very spacious enclosures with plenty of hiding spots.536

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day burrowed. Provide a shallow water dish, hiding places (cork bark, logs, plants), and a substrate that allows burrowing. They do not require a large enclosure, but more space is better.56

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The enclosure needs regular spot cleaning and substrate changes. Handle only when necessary, using gloves to protect the frog's sensitive skin from oils and chemicals. The skin secretions can cause local swelling in humans, so wash hands after any contact.57

Home where they are happiest

A 10-gallon (38 litre) terrarium is a minimum for one adult. Use a moist, natural substrate (e.g. BioLife Forest or similar) that allows burrowing. Maintain temperature 23-27°C with a slight drop at night (down to 15°C is fine). Humidity should be 60-70%. Provide a shallow water dish, hiding spots (cork bark, logs, plants), and a low-wattage UVB bulb. The enclosure should be escape-proof and well-ventilated.568

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. In captivity, feed gut-loaded crickets dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. Other suitable foods include earthworms, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, dubia roaches, and occasionally pinkie mice. They are ambush predators and feed mainly at night.562

Company who they like around

Solitary. Tomato frogs are not social and can be cannibalistic, especially if space is limited. They are best kept alone. If housing two together, provide a very large enclosure with multiple hiding spots and monitor closely. They do not need or want companionship.5

The story where it all began

The tomato frog has been a popular pet in the amphibian trade for decades, prized for its bright red colour. All international commercial trade of wild-caught Dyscophus antongilii has been illegal since 1987, when it was listed on CITES Appendix I. However, successful captive breeding programmes at zoos and by private breeders have made captive-bred specimens widely available, reducing the need for wild collection. Today, most tomato frogs in the pet trade are captive-bred.72