Vietnamese mossy frog (Theloderma corticale)

Short answers

Vietnamese mossy frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

An aqua-terrarium or paludarium from approx. 60×45×60 cm for a pair or small group, with a water section (7–10 cm) and plenty of vertical hides (cork tubes).

Vietnamese mossy frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–24 °C (max. ~25 °C; sensitive to heat), at night 18–20 °C.

Vietnamese mossy frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal).

Vietnamese mossy frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–15 years (long-lived).

Vietnamese mossy frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–24 °C (max. ~25 °C; sensitive to heat)

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

80–100 %

UVB

UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

an aqua-terrarium or paludarium from approx. 60×45×60 cm for a pair or small group, with a water section (7–10 cm) and plenty of vertical hides (cork tubes)

Substrate

No substrate is needed (a large water section plus cork, moss and leaf litter); alternatively coco or moss on the land section

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, locusts (dusted with vitamin and mineral powder); the larvae feed in the water

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 7–8 cm (females somewhat larger)

Life expectancy

approx. 10–15 years (long-lived)

Origin

The montane rainforests of northern and central Vietnam (470–1,500 m), adjoining southern China and Laos

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; captive-bred animals are freely tradable

Brumation

A slightly cooler rest period of ~2 months down to at least 18 °C (it encourages breeding); no real winter rest or frost

Cohabitation

Group. Two to four animals of the same species and equal size in a sufficiently large, structured tank with many hiding places and cork. This is the less stressful form; for breeding males and females can be put together, but after several months of continuous breeding the sexes should be separated again. Do not mix other species or clearly different sizes.

Notes

A master of camouflage. Critical: keep it cool (room temperature is often too warm in summer) and the water clean (it is sensitive to pollution). Fond of jumping – an opaque, well-covered terrarium. Minimise handling.

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Related species

• Starry tree frog (Theloderma stellatum) – Intermediate
• Red-disked small treefrog (Theloderma rhododiscus) – Intermediate
• Hill garden bug-eyed frog (Theloderma asperum) – Beginner
• Bicoloured bug-eyed frog (Theloderma bicolor) – Intermediate
• File-eared tree frog (Polypedates otilophus) – Intermediate
• Chinese gliding frog (Zhangixalus dennysi) – Intermediate
• Common tree frog (Polypedates leucomystax) – Beginner
• Reinwardt's flying frog (Rhacophorus reinwardtii) – Intermediate to expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Vietnamese mossy frog (Theloderma corticale) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aqua-terrarium or paludarium from approx. 60×45×60 cm for a pair or small group, with a water section (7–10 cm) and plenty of vertical hides (cork tubes)), substrate (No substrate is needed (a large water section plus cork, moss and leaf litter); alternatively coco or moss on the land section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.