Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001 -
2003 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name:
Cuban Tree Frog
Latin
Name:
Osteopilus
septentrionalis
Native
to:
Cuba and surrounding islands; established in
southern Florida
Size:
Males 1-3 inches Females up to 5 inches
Life
span:
5 years
General
appearance:
Colors range from gray to tan to brownish-green.
Many have marbled patterns or darker blotching and may have striping on the
legs. Skin is textured, or “warty”. Eyes are large and have sticky “cups” on
their toes. Males may have darker throats.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
A 20 gallon aquarium with a tight fitting lid is
appropriate; however a 10 gallon is an
absolute minimum. An arboreal enclosure is the best
choice, as tree frogs will spend most
of their time being high in the enclosure. Plants
and hollow logs and branches provide
shelter and security. Cuban Tree Frogs should not be
kept with even slightly smaller tree
frogs.
Temperature:
Temperatures should be 82º F – 85º F daytime and 72º
F - 75º F nighttime.
Heat/Light:
Cuban tree frogs are nocturnal. There are no
specific lighting requirements. Live
plants will require a full spectrum light. A
under tank heater can be used but do not use
heat rocks.
Substrate:
Potting soil, peat moss or a few sheets of damp
paper towels on the bottom. Avoid
using small bark and gravel due to danger of
ingestion.
Environment:
A moderate amount of humidity (60%) is required.
This can be achieved through
misting of the frogs and enclosure two or more times
a day. Additionally a shallow water
dish for soaking is required.
Diet:
Insectivores - crickets, cockroaches, locusts, moths
and beetles. Pinky mice may also be occasionally used. Adult Cuban tree frogs should be fed once
every two to three days. Young tree frogs should be fed more frequently. Fat is stored in the
supratympanic ridges. Oversized supratympanic ridges
indicates over eating and
feeding.
Maintenance:
Clean the enclosure weekly. Remove dead insects and
clean water bowl as several times a week or as needed, but no less than weekly. You may
wash with a mild bleach solution (5%) or liquid soap and toughly rinse. Regular handling
should be avoided. Hands most be washed and
rinsed prior to touching the frog and should remain
wet.