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Care Sheet: Cameroon Clown Frog (Afrixalus paradorsalis)

Common Name: Cameroon Clown Tree Frog.

Scientific Name: Afrixalus paradorsalis.

Distribution: Cameroon & Nigeria.

Size: Males 25–35 mm, females 30–35 mm.

Sexing: The males of this species may be heard calling this is heard as 2 or 3 short clicks, this is the most reliable way of sexing.

Coloration: Translucent brown with silverish markings forming two dorsolateral bands, which meet on the forehead. The rear legs are also marked with two light spots.

Requirements: These small agile frogs can jump over a large distance and so require a fairly large terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for a group of 6 adults. They require a woodland type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, topsoil or moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark and sturdy thin-leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing, perching and hiding places. A small water bowl (no deeper than the frog's height at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The water will need to be changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. The tank will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 24 - 26°C with a drop at night to 20 - 22°C this can be done with an under-tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. It is not advisable to use spot / heat lamps with amphibians and so a separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.

Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, mini-mealworm, flies, waxworm, caterpillars and moths should be fed every two-three days. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once weekly. Young frogs will take hatchling crickets and fruitflies, these should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.

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