Scientific Name: Dyscophus sp.
Common Names: Tomato Frog.
Distribution: Madagascar.
Sexing: The males of this species can be heard calling, this is the most reliable way of sexing. The males also have nuptial pads on the fore-limb however these pads are difficult to spot.
Variety: There are three recognised species of Tomato Frog, the most readily available to the hobbyist is the Guinet's / Sambava Tomato Frog (D. guineti) as pictured this species comes from the north-east of Madagascar and grows to 3.5" and is a yellowish-orange with brown lines on the dorsum. The second species is the Western Tomato Frog (D. insularis) this is the smallest species growing to only 2" and also has the dullest coloration, being a brownish-orange. The last species the Common Tomato Frog (D. antongili) from the north-east is no longer as commonly available to the hobbyist, it is the biggest and brightest of the three species, growing to 4" and blood-red in colour.
Requirements: Being a rather large species they require quite a spacious terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be ideal for a group of 4 adults. They require a woodland type set up with a substrate of either bark chips, or topsoil. An area of live moss should also be provided. The tank can be furnished with a selection of logs, cork bark, rocks, and sturdy leafed plants (Live or artificial). These items should be arranged in such a way that they provide a number of climbing and hiding areas for the frogs. A shallow water bowl (no deeper than the frog's height at rest) should be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The enclosure will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 26-27°C with a slight drop at night to 24°C. This can be done using an under tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. Spot bulbs / heat lamps are not recommended for use with amphibians and so a fluorescent UVB tube should be provided as a light source.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Young Tomato Frogs should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including fruitflies, small crickets and mini-mealworms. These food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Tomato Frogs will take considerably larger insects including adult crickets, regular mealworms, locusts, earthworms, flour beetles, waxworms, moths, flies and caterpillars. They should be fed every two-three days and the insects dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements once a week.
