How to Care for a Fire-Bellied Toad

The fire-bellied toad can live up to 20 years if cared for properly. Unlike most frogs it cannot flick its tongue out and catch food, so it will leap at its prey instead which can be fun to watch. The toad has a bright red and black belly which is used to warn predators that it is poisonous.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Enclosure
• Aquarium lid
• Full spectrum lighting
• Substrate
• Hiding area decorations
• Plants
• Aquarium filter
• Vitamin and mineral supplement
• Spray bottle
• Thermometer

1. Purchase a 20 Long aquarium. This is a 20 gallon aquarium that is longer than it is tall which will work well. You should also purchase a secure lid for your aquarium so the toads do not escape.
2. Fill the tank with four inches of de-chlorinated water and then build a small island out of gravel that takes up one fourth of the tank. You can add peat moss to this island to help maintain humidity.
3. Put plenty of smooth rocks and plants for basking areas on the land side of the enclosure. Also place lily pads, other plants and larger rocks in the water to provide hiding places.
4. Use a small aquarium filter to help keep the water clean. You should also remove waste daily from the water and do a 25 percent water change weekly.
5. Add a heat lamp to maintain a small basking area of 85 or less degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the enclosure should be about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally there is no need for a heater to maintain the 75 degrees which is room temperature.
6. Light the cage with full spectrum lighting to benefit the live plants as well as the toad.
7. Feed your fire-bellied toads feeder insects like crickets, meal and wax worms. Also be sure to dust the insects with a vitamin and mineral supplement prior to feeding them to the toad.
8. Spray your enclosure daily with a spray bottle, on a mist setting, to help maintain a high humidity.

Tips & Warnings

• Slope the gravel gradually up to the island you created. This will make it easier for the toads to reach the island.
• Always wash your hands after handling the fire-bellied toad. It secretes toxins from its skin that can kill some animals and illicit a variety of reactions from humans.
• Do not allow the tank to exceed 85 degrees as these temperatures could harm your toad.