Scientific Name: Gastrotheca sp.
Common Names: Marsupial Frog.
Distribution: Venezuela to northern Argentina, eastern Brazil, through Dalmatia, & from the Pacific side of the Andes through Colombia into Ecuador.
Size: 5-7cm.
Sexing: Males can be heard calling in a chicken like manner, females have an egg pouch on the lower part of the dorsum.
Colouration: There are around 50species of Marsupial Frog, the most commonly seen in captivity are the Common Marsupial Frog (G. marupiata), and the Riobamba Marsupial Frog (G. riobambae). Green, tan, or bronze markings in the form of bars or blotches on a lighter greenish-beige background.
Requirements: These medium sized frogs are fairly terrestrial and require only a low terrarium. A 10-gallon vivarium would be adequate for a group of 4-6 adults. They require a well-planted woodland type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, topsoil or moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing, perching and hiding places. A small-medium sized water bowl (no deeper than the frog's height at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The tank will need to be heated to a temperature of 20-25°C this can be done with an under-tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. It is not advisable to use spot / heat lamps with amphibians and so a separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube.
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: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, mealworm, flies, small-locust, waxworm and moths should be fed every two-three days. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once weekly. Young frogs will take hatchling crickets and fruitflies. These should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.
