Scientific Name: Theloderma corticale.
Common Names: Vietnamese Mossy Frog, Tonkin Bug-eyed Frog.
Distribution: Northern Vietnam.
Size: 7-8cm.
Sexing: These frogs can be difficult to sex even when fully mature and in breeding condition. Males will emit a series of different calls but will rarely do so when being watched. Males also form pink nuptial pads at the base of the thumb but these are not allways distinct enough to tell.
Requirements: These large cryptic frogs require relatively little space for their size, a glass terrarium of 18x18x24" could adequately house a pair or trio of adults. These frogs are largely aquatic and their setup should replicate this fact - fill the base of the terrarium with clean de-chlorinated or spring water to a depth of several inches and place large rocks, wood, branches, canes and sturdy large leaved plants to provide climbing opportunities. Temperature in the terrarium should be kept in the region of 18-24°C. A low-wattage fluorescent strip light may be used to provide light for the plants in the terrarium but is not needed for the frogs and these frogs may shy away from brightly lit areas.
Maintenance: The water will need filtering with a small internal power filter and partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: These frogs show a preferance for larger prey items. Adult frogs will take adult crickets, roaches, medium locusts, earthworms, and waxmoths which should be fed every few days. Food items for adult frogs should be dusted with a high quality calcium and vitamin powder once a week. Juveniles will take small/medium crickets, flies, moths, and locust hoppers which should be offered daily, food items for juvenile frogs should be dusted with a high quality calcium and vitamin powder every other feed.
