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Care Sheet: Madagascan Reed Frog (Heterixalus betsileo)

Common Name: Madagascan Reed Frog

Scientific Name: Heterixalus betsileo

Distribution: Madagascar.

Size: Males 15-30mm, females 20-30mm.

Sexing: The males of this species may be heard calling.

Colouration: The dorsum is greenish or light brown, with yellow dorsolateral bands, occasionally bordered with black. The ventral surface is creamish and the underside of limbs orange.

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 6-8 adults. They require a savannah type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, topsoil and moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, bamboo 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 small crickets, flies, 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.