Theloderma corticale (Vietnamese moss frog) |
Origin: Vietnam
Lifespan: With proper care, they can live to be 6 years old or older
Length: 9 - 10 cm.
Care
Experience: Some experience with aquariums and terrariums is desirable.
Food: Insects, primarily crickets.
Feeding adults: 2 to 3 times per week.
Feeding young: Every day.
Water bowl: Water bath 7 to 10 cm deep.
Water change: Every day
Diet
They are insectivores. Suitable insects include: crickets, worms, moths, flies, and medium-sized grasshoppers. It is best to feed them when the main lights go out, as the animals often become active at that time.
Water
Offer the frogs a water bath approximately 7 to 10 cm deep for them to bathe in. The water temperature should be between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. The water can be heated using heating cables or an aquarium heater. The water bowl should occupy approximately a quarter of the enclosure.
Cleaning
Keeping the terrarium clean is very important. The water in the water bath must be changed daily, as moss frogs often use the water as a toilet. Inspect the terrarium daily, remove dirty furnishings, clean them, and put them back. The entire terrarium and interior must be cleaned several times a year. If disinfectants are required for cleaning (use only mild variants), rinse everything thoroughly and dry it off. This prevents the frog's sensitive skin from coming into contact with chemicals.
Handling
The frog should be handled as little as possible, as otherwise you will damage the skin; even a small amount of salt on our hands can irritate the skin. If necessary, you can catch them by letting them walk into a container without using your hands.
Housing
Minimum enclosure size for a group of 2 frogs: A terrarium measuring 45x45x60 cm.
Daytime temperature: 10-20 degrees. Night temperature: 10-20 degrees.
Light hours: The lighting must be on for 12 hours a day.
Lighting: If you want to hang UVB lamps for animals, use a maximum of 2.5% UVB and no higher. This can harm your animals.
Humidity: Daytime: 80-100%, nighttime: 80-90%.
Substrate: Provide a thick layer of hydro granules topped with pieces of bark, peat plates, and flat stones. You can cover this with live moss to retain moisture.
Setup
The terrarium must feature many robust, large-leaved plants. Sturdy branches are also needed for climbing. Ensure these branches are free of splinters, as the animals can injure themselves on them. The frogs can hide under sheets of cork bark or hollowed-out logs.
Behavior
Hunting method: At night, often at dusk, it hunts insects. Lifestyle: Vietnamese moss frogs rest in trees during the day, but can also be found on the ground in puddles or in low vegetation along the water's edge. When the animals are not hunting at night, they sit on branches and leaves of trees. During rain, the frogs may also be active during the day.
Points of attention
You can join a terrarium association; you can get tips there and share your experience.
Costs and Purchase
Legislation: -
One-time costs: the cost of the animal and the enclosure.
Fixed costs: food and clean substrate.
Unexpected costs: veterinary costs should the animal become ill.

