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Care Sheet: Ornate Hopper (Scaphiophryne gottlebei)

Common Name: Ornate Hopper, Rainbow Burrowing Frog, Red Rain Frog, Gottlebe's Narrow-mouthed Frog.

Scientific Name: Scaphiophryne gottlebei.

Distribution: South Central Madagascar.

Size: Males 2 - 3cm, females 3 - 4cm.

Sexing: The males of this species are smaller and more slender, they may also be slightly duller in colouration.

Colouration: The dorsum has a white background with red, yellow, green and black mottling. The ventral surface is a greyish colour.

Requirements: These Frogs are rather inactive individuals and require a fairly small terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for 3-4 adults. They require a fossorial type set-up with a deep substrate of sandy topsoil, and moss. Furnishings such as driftwood, cork bark, rock and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A small water bowl (no deeper than the frog's nostrils when 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. If kept in a warm household the tank will not require additional heating. A 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: Juvenile Frogs should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including mini-mealworms, small or chopped earthworm, waxworm and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Frogs should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of waxworms, regular mealworms, earthworms, moths, and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.