Click Here to view printable version.

Fire-Bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)

     Fire-bellied toads are found throughout Korea, China, and parts of Russia.  Fire-bellied toads are actually frogs and adults can reach two inches in length.  Sexing these frogs is difficult, if you hear your frog calling or singing it’s definitely a male.  Fire-bellied toads produce skin toxins that can be irritating to the skin and eyes.  It is best to handle your frogs as little as possible and always wash your hands after handling them.  Fire-bellied toads will expose the underside of their bellies or flip upside down when they feel threatened.  The colors on the underside of their belly warn potential predators of their foul taste.  Breeding this species is fairly common and females can produce 70-200 eggs in clutch.  The eggs will hatch in three or four days and will become frogs within five weeks.  With proper care fire-bellied toads can live 10-15 years or more in captivity. 

Temperature

     Fire-bellied toads need to be maintained between 73-78 degrees during the day.  Nighttime temperatures can drop into the mid 60’s.

Housing

     Fire-bellied toads can be housed comfortably in 10-29 gallon terrariums.  The cage can be filled with shallow water or it can be setup with damp potting soil and a large water bowl.  An ideal setup would be to duplicate the edge of pond, where land and water is available.  Do not use distilled or purified water for any amphibians.  Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage.  Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your frog. 

Bedding

     We recommend using gravel when your cage is filled with shallow water.  Another alternative is to setup a living vivarium filled with live plants.   

Food

     Fire-bellied toads should be fed appropriate sized crickets, waxworms, and earthworms.  Ideally, you should feed your fire-bellied toads 3-5 times each week.  These frogs also need a vitamin/mineral supplement and you should dust its crickets at least twice a week.  Fire-bellied toads reddish coloration can fade because of its diet.  The best way to keep your frogs red coloration is to feed your crickets shaved carrots prior to feeding them to your frog.

Cleaning and Handling

      The terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter or left over food should be cleaned out several times a week.  Fresh clean water should be provided at all times.  The inside of the terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat.  Fire-bellied toads can be handled on a limited basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.