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Fire Belly Toad

Western New York Herpetological Society

www.wnyherp.org

© 2001 - 2002 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:

Oriental Fire Belly Toad

 

Latin name:

Bombina orientalis

 

Native to:

China, Korea, and Southeast Asia

 

Size:

Generally from 2 to 2½ inches in length

 

Life span:

This species can live 10 to 14 years, but there are many reports of specimens 20 years old or older

.

General appearance:

This toad’s coloration ranges from grass green to forest green with black blotches. The underbelly ranges from a flame red to a weak orange in color. The brightly colored belly acts as warning coloration to other species. The fire belly toad secretes a toxin when stressed.

 

Housing requirements:

Enclosure:

A 10-gallon aquarium with a secure lid should be adequate for a pair of toads. When housing toads together it is important that they are the same size as they can be cannibalistic. A 50/50 ratio of land to water is usually the best way to maintain these animals for breeding. A strictly forest floor type of enclosure is fine if you will not be breeding.

 

Temperature:

Air temperature should be maintained at 68º to 75º F with a basking spot of 74º to 85º F. Water temperatures should be 76º to 78º F.

 

Heat/Light:

Room temperature is usually adequate for these toads. Using heat bulbs can create basking spots. Water temperatures can me raised by using an aquarium heater.

 

Substrate:

Materials like Bed-a-Beast™, sterilized potting soil, or sphagnum moss can all be used as substrate. Gravel is not recommended as the top layer of substrate because the toads may ingest the gravel and cause an impaction.

 

Diet:

These toads can be fed crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Adults have also been known to eat pinkie mice.

 

Maintenance:

If using a forest floor type of setup, spot clean regularly and replace the substrate as needed. Fresh dechlorinated water should be offered daily. If using a 50/50 ratio of land to water setup, spot clean the land portion as above and use a filtration system for the water. Partial water changes are recommended weekly. Be advised to not hand the toads excessively since the oils found naturally on our hands can harm the toads with frequent handling. Whenever handling the toads or cleaning the cage or cage accessories it is always recommended to wash your hands thoroughly when finished.

 

Other references or recommended reading:

Amphibians in Captivity, Staniszewski, Marc, TFH Publications 1995

 

Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Breen, John F TFH Publications 1974

 

The Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Halliday, Tim R. & Adler, Kraig eds, Facts On File 1986

 

Frogs & Toads of the World, Mattison, Chris. Facts On File 1987

 

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