Mike’s Fish Tank – The Fire-Bellied Toads

The Fire-bellied Toads is a group comprising of eight species of small toads. “Fire-bellied” is derived from the brightly coloured red- or yellow-and-black patterns on the toads’ ventral regions, which act as a warning to predators of the toads’ reputedly foul taste.

The other parts of the toads’ skins are green or dark brown. These toads  are commonly kept as exotic pets and are readily available in many pet stores.  In captivity, they are easily maintained in vivariums and when provided with proper food and environmental conditions, often prove robust, flamboyant and long lived amphibians. Captive fire-bellied toads usually live to be around 12 years old and there are several cases reported by owners of fire-bellied toads attaining ages up to 15 years. It is risky to house any type of these toads with other species, as they secrete toxins from glands behind the head. In some individuals there is a spot of color, such as green or brown, where these glands are located. In captivity they will eat a wide variety of food, including crickets, moths, minnows, blood worms and pinkie mice, although some frogs cannot handle certain foods, due to their size. Smaller frogs like smaller food, and the same goes for bigger frogs.

In vivariums (Habitations with both terra and water) each toad usually requires at least 3 gallons, however 3 toads can fit into an 8 gallon vivarium with proper treatment. They can sometimes act very aggressively against each other, particularly males. Fire-bellied toads are active both day and night, and are vertebrae, meaning having a backbone. The mating call of the male sounds like a dog’s bark and will be very hard to hear.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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