Litoria caerulea (Coral Climbing Tree Frog)

Origin: Australia
Length: 7 to 11 cm
Age: Up to 16 years old
The Coral Climbing Tree Frog is one of the largest species of tree frogs. They have a broad, blunt-ended head and large, slightly protruding eyes. The color of the frog is usually bright green to blue-green, but can also be brown at a different temperature or humidity. Fearful or sick frogs can even turn a deep dark brown to black. The ventral side is always lighter to white and the underside of the legs have a reddish color. Large adhesive discs on the toes allow Coral Climbing Tree Frogs to climb very well, even on very smooth surfaces such as glass.

Grooming
Experience: Some experience with aquariums and terrariums is desirable
Food adults: Crickets, grasshoppers (additionally earthworms and pinkies) Food young: Fruit flies
Feeding: Daily or every other day Water scale: Yes
Change water: Change water container daily

Nutrition
In the wild, the coral treefrog mainly eats insects and occasionally small frogs, young birds, bats and rodents. In captivity the animals are best fed crickets and grasshoppers. These should preferably be administered live, because if the food animals are not moving they will not be mistaken for food. These food animals can simply be released into the terrarium. A dead prey is also possible, but then you will have to move it with tweezers. Make sure your frog does not get too fat (if you feel that it is getting too fat, you can reduce the amount of food).
If you buy live food animals, they should not be left in the purchase box for too long, because then the quality will deteriorate. You can also dust the food animals with vitamin D3 because (if there is no UVB lamp in the terrarium) the frog does not make enough of this. The best time to feed coral tree frogs is when the main lights are turned off. However, many of the animals will also be active if you feed them during the day.

Water
There must be a water bowl on the floor of the enclosure at all times. Coral tree frogs will not swim in this quickly, but they must be able to keep themselves moist and drink from it if necessary. Make sure you always have a moist and a dry area in the terrarium (for example, a moist soil and a moist plant), because the animals can then choose whether they prefer a dry or a moist environment.

Cleaning
To keep the terrarium as clean as possible and to keep the animals healthy, it is important to remove food residues and faeces as quickly as possible. It is important to have good ventilation in the terrarium, because, among other things, mold can easily form if the ventilation is not good. If you find any form of mold, you should remove it immediately. Other waste such as dead plant remains should also be removed from the terrarium daily. Only warm water without cleaning agents may be used for cleaning. If disinfection is really necessary, it must be rinsed thoroughly and dried.

Handling
Common eel tree frogs are generally very tame and are not likely to jump away. However, the frog should be handled as little as possible because of their delicate skin and the ease with which substances from human hands are absorbed by the frog's skin. If necessary, they can be caught by walking or jumping into a bowl without touching them with your hands. If you are going to pick up the frogs by hand, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand with "only" water. After handling, hands should be washed with soap.

Housing
Minimum size for one or two tree frogs: 125 liters
Minimum enclosure size for a group of two couples: 60 x 50 x 90 cm
Day temperature vivarium / aquarium: 26 to 32C Number of hours of lighting: 12 to 14 hours per day
Night temperature vivarium / aquarium: Minimum 20 to 24C Humidity during the day: 50 to 60% Humidity at night: 80 to 95%
Ground cover: Moisture-retaining ground cover (e.g. coco peat)

Design
A spacious and high terrarium is necessary for the Coral Climbing Tree Frog, as the frog must be able to jump and climb. Choose a stable place for the terrarium, without drafts, with a lot of sunlight but not too long in full sun. The terrarium must be made of material that can withstand moisture and therefore cannot rot. Bromeliads are suitable plants to place in the terrarium. Here the frogs can also hide in / between and sometimes they also drink out. It is also important to provide sufficient climbing and clambering opportunities. Think, for example, of bamboo sticks or other pieces of wood. A shelter that is at least 20 cm above the ground (for example by means of a coconut or a large hollow piece of bamboo) is a requirement.
If you use a lamp for the residence, you can set it on a timer. Use daylight lamps and UVB lamps for lighting in the accommodation. For suitable lighting, let someone with experience of terrariums inform you. The animals are active at night and will therefore also hunt for food at night. By placing a moonlight lamp (lamp of about 15 Watt or a blue moonlight lamp) you can observe the animals while hunting. If additional heating of the terrarium is required, this can be done by means of heating cables, a heating mat on the bottom of the enclosure or by a heat lamp.

Behaviour
Lifestyle: Night active

Character
Coral Climbing Tree Frogs can easily be housed with several frogs in one enclosure, as they are very quiet and will not quickly become aggressive towards each other.

Points of attention
The frog can be kept alone or in small groups. If you keep several frogs in one enclosure, make sure that they are of a similar size. If there are frogs of different sizes in one enclosure, the large frogs can eat the smaller frogs, injure them or steal the food in front of them.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: No CITES or transfer papers are required to own the Coral Climbing Tree Frog.
One-time costs: This includes the costs for the terrarium, terrarium lighting, shelters and decoration. All together this can cost a few hundred euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is several tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs have been incurred when your coral tree frog happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.