Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)

Short answers

Cuban tree frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×60 cm.

Cuban tree frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.

Cuban tree frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).

Cuban tree frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Cuban tree frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×60 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, branches, cork tubes, a large water dish

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

6–13 cm (females)

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Cuba, the Bahamas; invasive in Florida

Protection status

Not on the EU list of invasive species; considered invasive in North America – never release it

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly: this is the least stressful and safest choice, because the species eats anything that fits in its mouth, including smaller frogs, and its skin secretion is toxic to other animals. A group is possible, but only with animals of the same species and equal size in a larger enclosure with several hides; the drawback is that animals get eaten where sizes differ and females grow much larger than males. Never mix with other species.

Notes

Very robust and voracious – it eats smaller frogs too, so keep it strictly sorted by size. The skin secretion strongly irritates eyes and mucous membranes.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Red-eyed tree frog (Litoria chloris) – Intermediate
• European tree frog (Hyla arborea) – Beginner to intermediate
• Fringed leaf frog (Cruziohyla craspedopus) – Expert
• Splendid leaf frog (Cruziohyla calcarifer) – Expert
• Gliding leaf frog (Agalychnis spurrelli) – Intermediate
• White's tree frog (Litoria caerulea) – Beginner
• Lemur leaf frog (Agalychnis lemur) – Expert
• Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus, branches, cork tubes, a large water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.