Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
Common names: Starry Night Reed Frog, Spotted Reed Frog.
Named for its black body covered in small white-to-yellow “star-like” spots, resembling a starry night sky.
Belongs to the Heterixalus genus, often called “reed frogs” due to their habitat in grasses and reeds.
Characteristics
Small, nocturnal, semi-arboreal frog.
Known for its striking appearance and vocal nighttime activity.
Native to Madagascar, often found near ponds, rice paddies, and wetlands.
Recommended Vivarium Size
Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a small group (3–4 frogs).
Vertical setups are preferred, with reeds, live plants, and climbing structures.
Provide both land areas and a shallow water section for soaking and breeding.
Temperature
Daytime: 74–80°F (23–27°C).
Nighttime: 68–72°F (20–22°C).
Avoid temps above 82°F.
Humidity
70–90%, with daily misting.
Requires good ventilation to prevent stagnation.
Size of Frog
Adults reach ~1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm).
Life Span
5–8 years in captivity with proper care.
Feeding
Diet: small insects such as crickets, fruit flies, and houseflies.
Feed daily or every other day.
Dust prey with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week.
Color/Pattern
Black or dark brown base color with scattered white or yellow star-like spots across the body.
Belly is lighter, often pale or cream-colored.
Contrasting pattern makes it one of the most unique reed frog species.
Social Behavior
Can be housed in small groups.
Males are very vocal, producing trills and chirps during the night, especially in breeding season.
Generally peaceful but should have space and plant cover to avoid stress.
How to Determine Sex
Males: smaller, slimmer, very vocal, and develop darker throats when calling.
Females: larger, fuller-bodied, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
Stimulate breeding with heavy misting and simulated rainy-season conditions.
Males call to attract females, and eggs are laid on aquatic vegetation or near water.
Tadpoles develop in shallow water and can be raised in separate aquatic setups.
Metamorphosis usually takes 6–10 weeks depending on diet and temperature.
✨ The Starry Night Reed Frog is highly sought after for its cosmic, star-like patterning, making it a standout display species for collectors and enthusiasts.
