Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) (origin: Central and southern Europe – uplands, puddles). Adult size around 3.5–5.6 cm (rarely over 4.5 cm in Central Europe). Life expectancy 15–20 years, record in captivity 27 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yellow-bellied toad: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm, half water.
Yellow-bellied toad: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 18–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 12–17 °C.
Yellow-bellied toad: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).
Yellow-bellied toad: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years, record in captivity 27 years.
Yellow-bellied toad: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 18–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- Aqua-terrarium
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm, half water
- Substrate
- A shallow water section (5–15 cm), gravel, stones, a land section with moss
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, earthworms
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 3.5–5.6 cm (rarely over 4.5 cm in Central Europe)
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years, record in captivity 27 years
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe – uplands, puddles
- Protection status
- STRICTLY protected (Habitats Directive Annexes II and IV, German Federal Species Protection Ordinance) – registration required
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 12–16 weeks at 4–8 °C
- Cohabitation
- A group. Only put together animals of the same species and roughly the same size — smaller ones will otherwise be treated as food. Offer enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed them separately when they differ in size.
Notes
Unlike the fire-bellied toad it inhabits shallow, warm puddles rather than large ponds – the water section may well be very shallow. When threatened it shows its yellow belly (the unken reflex).
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Apennine yellow-bellied toad (Bombina pachypus) – Intermediate
- Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis) – Beginner
- Large-webbed bell toad (Bombina maxima) – Beginner
- European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) – Intermediate
- Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) – Intermediate
- Yellow-bellied poison frog (Ameerega hahneli) – Intermediate
- Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) – Intermediate
- Anderson's salamander (Ambystoma andersoni) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm, half water), substrate (A shallow water section (5–15 cm), gravel, stones, a land section with moss), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelbbauchunke, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombina, HLNUG Artensteckbrief Gelbbauchunke 2020 (tag- und nachtaktiv); de.wikipedia „Gelbbauchunke“ (Jagd vorwiegend in Dämmerung und Nacht; 35–56 mm, Mitteleuropa selten über 4,5 cm; 27 Jahre in Gefangenschaft); en.wikipedia „Yellow-bellied toad“ (28–56 mm)
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).