Scientific Name: Heterixalus madagascariensis.
Common Names: Powder Blue Reed Frog.
Distribution: Madagascar.
Size: Males 35mm, females 40mm.
Sexing: The males of this species may be heard calling.
Colouration: The back is a uniform light powder blue that often appears white in full sunlight. A dark band is present between the snout and eye. The ventral surface is a very pale whitish-yellow with orange on the underside of the limbs.
Requirements: These small agile frogs can jump over a large distance and so require a fairly large terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for a group of 6 adults. They require a savannah type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, topsoil and moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, bamboo and sturdy thin-leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing, perching and hiding places. A small 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 daytime temperature of 24 - 26°C with a drop at night to 20 - 22°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 small crickets, flies, caterpillars 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.
