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