Fire-bellied Toad
(Bombina orientalis)

Habitat
: Semi Aquatic or An Aquarium     Diet: Carnivorous     Adult Size: 1-2 inches    
Lifespan
: 14-20 years     Native To: Asia

Did You Know:

  • Unlike most frogs, Fire-bellied Toads make sounds by inhaling rather than exhaling. Its croak has a pleasant sound, evocative of a small bell.

  • The Fire-bellied Toad’s tongue is attached completely to the floor of its mouth. So, it cannot flick out its tongue to catch prey the way other frogs do. Instead, it must leap forward and snare its meals in its mouth.

  • Living up to its name, the Fire-bellied Toad will arch its back to expose its red and black belly when it feels threatened. This warns would-be predators of its foul taste. If this is not a sufficient deterrent, the toad will lie on its back and release its toxic secretions. By contrast, the toad’s back is a dull brown and bright green, which allows it to camouflage itself by blending into the background colors of its natural environment.

What You Should Know About Fire-bellied Toads

The Basics:

This is an attractive and long-lived terrarium pet that is popular in the pet trade. Although its care requirements are relatively straightforward, it does require work and attention, particularly in the area of enclosure cleaning and maintenance. Males are
usually smaller and more streamlined than females, and are also able to make loud vocalizations. A hearty and adaptive species, it does well in a wide variety of environments in nature, even being found in southeastern Siberia and north eastern China at 10,000 feet above sea level. They are one of the few communal toads, and will do well when kept in groups.

Enclosure:
They Need a Semi-Aquatic Tank
:

Although small, Fire-bellied Toads are active, so they need room. A 20-gallon aquarium can house three toads, and 5 gallons should be added to the tank size for each new specimen. The tank should be longer than it is high, and it should have a secure lid, since these active frogs will escape, if given the chance. Unlike many other frogs and toads, the Fire-bellied Toad must have a true semi-aquatic tank. Between 25 and 30 percent of the tank should be “dry,” while the remainder is covered by water 2-4 inches deep. The land side should have smooth rocks, with commercially available driftwood and plants (live or artificial) for hiding and basking spots. Floating plants (real or artificial) and smooth rocks should also be placed in the water side to provide hiding and resting spots. The bottom of the water side can be lined
with smooth rocks that gradually slope upward, making it easier for the frog to exit the  water. Fire-bellied Toads will spend most of their time floating in the water; they seldom submerge themselves. Water must be inspected daily to remove waste and feeder animal debris. (Fire-bellied Toads produce a large volume of waste for their size.) A partial water change (25%) should be done weekly, along with having a small aquarium filter in use.

Substrate:
Gravel Covered By Other Material Works For Them
:

Gravel can be used to build up the foundation of the dry area of the Fire-bellied Toad’s enclosure, but it must be covered by another substrate, since the toad can easily ingest small pieces of gravel when taking food. The gravel should be covered with any combination of larger rocks, moss, or non-aromatic wood fiber. Aromatic wood substrates like cedar must be avoided, since they can cause serious and even fatal health risks. Substrates must be inspected daily, so soiled material can be removed.

Temperature:
They Will Handle Room Temperature:

If kept in a reasonably warm room, Fire-bellied Toads require no extra heating. The temperature in their enclosure should be
around 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and slightly cooler at night. A low wattage bulb can be used during the day to create a warm, but not too hot basking area – avoid
temperatures over 85 degrees. Fire-bellied Toads are one of the few toads or frogs that enjoy basking in the sun like a lizard. However, temperatures that are too high can harm
this toad. The temperature must be monitored carefully by using a thermometer.

Lighting:
Limited UVB Exposure Is Essential
:

Fire-bellied Toads should be exposed to a limited amount of UVB light daily. This should be provided by a fluorescent reptile lamp designed specifically for frog terrarium use that emits UVB (3-6%) rays. The fluorescent bulb should be replaced every six months. Glass blocks out UVB light, so overhead light sources should be kept behind a wire mesh cover, not a glass or acrylic tank top. The tank should be dark for 12 hours a day.

Diet:
Feeding Them On “Dry Land” Is Preferred
:

Gut loaded crickets dusted with a supplement should form the staple of the Fire-bellied toad’s diet. Like all feeder insects, they should be offered to the toad on the dry section of its enclosure. Small silkworms and earthworms can be offered as a substitute for crickets on occasion. Wax worms and mealworms should be given only as an occasional treat. Offer adults as much food as they can consume in one sitting (generally 2-6 feeder insects) three times a week. Juveniles should be fed smaller insects more often. Important -- It is necessary to provide calcium and vitamin supplements as part of the diet. Please read the supplement section below:

Supplements:

Dust insects with calcium supplement and vitamin supplement. As a rule, a growing juvenile's food should be dusted more often than an adult's. Consult product labels and outside literature for specific instructions on supplementing. Avoid over supplementing.

The following is a possible supplementing schedule for this reptile. Dust food with a calcium/vitamin supplement once a week for adults, twice a week for juveniles. Be careful not to “over supplement” a frog’s food, since too much calcium can cause gout and calcification. However, this is only a general suggestion -- the best specific schedule may vary depending on the supplement products used and other factors. Please consult product package directions, outside literature and a veterinarian to determine the optimal supplementing program.

A NOTE ABOUT WATER: All water given to this pet for drinking, as well as water used for swimming or misting must be free of chlorine and heavy metals. We recommend that you use bottled drinking water or bottled natural spring water and never untreated tap water. If tap water is used, you should treat it with a dechlorinating treatment or allow it to stand for at least 24 hours before being introduced to the pet's enclosure to allow the chlorine to escape. Do not use distilled water, which can cause severe medical problems, since it lacks minerals that are essential to important body functions.

Water & Humidity:

Relatively high humidity levels should be maintained in the Fire-bellied Toad's enclosure with a daily misting. However, the enclosure must also be well ventilated to prevent it from becoming overly humid. The water used in misting as well
as in the “wet area” of the tank must always be clean, fresh and free of chlorine and heavy metals. Do not use distilled water.


How to Handle a Fire-bellied Toad:
Like all amphibians, Fire-bellied Toads are meant to be observed and appreciated, rather than handled and petted. This toad's skin contains toxins, which do not pose a serious threat to people but can cause burning. Anyone with open cuts or wounds should not come into contact with a Fire-bellied Toad. When it is necessary to move a Fire-bellied Toad, try guiding it to a fine mesh net or plastic cup, rather than lifting it. If you must lift the toad, wear moistened plastic gloves and lift with great care, grasping the animal firmly but gently around the waist, joining your thumb and forefinger around its chest. Always wash your hands, and rinse them thoroughly before touching a Fire-bellied Toad.
The skin of these toads will absorb residual traces of soap or perfume left on a hand. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling any toad.
 


Look Out For This:
The skin of a Fire-bellied Toad is toxic. Although not really poisonous to humans, it can cause irritation. Anyone with open cuts or sores should not come into contact with this toad. Dogs, cats and other pets should also be kept away.


Recommended Fire-bellied Toad Supplies:

  • A secure water-tight enclosure

  • Smooth rocks, driftwood, and other furnishing that can be used for basking and climbing

  • Foliage in the form of life or artificial plants

  • Floating plants for the wet area of the enclosure

  • Rocks to create "islands" in the wet area

  • Gravel to build up the dry sport of the enclosure

  • A suitable substrate to cover the gravel

  • A UVB Reptile fluorescent light source

  • A low wattage incandescent bulb to create a basking spot

  • A thermometer

  • A hygrometer

  • A misting bottle

  • Aquarium Filter

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