Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
Common names: Vietnamese Mossy Frog, Tonkin Bug-Eyed Frog.
Named for its moss-like skin texture and green-black mottling, which camouflages it perfectly against rocks and vegetation.
Native to northern Vietnam, where it inhabits rocky streams and caves.
Characteristics
Medium-sized frog with a bumpy, irregular skin texture that mimics moss.
Nocturnal and semi-aquatic, spending time both in water and perched on rocks.
Shy by day, but more active at night.
Recommended Vivarium Size
Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair.
Semi-aquatic setup with a large water section and rocky land area is ideal.
Provide cork bark, rocks, and shaded hiding places.
Temperature
Daytime: 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Nighttime: 65–70°F (18–21°C).
Cooler-loving frog compared to most tropical tree frogs.
Humidity
60–80%, with misting 1–2 times daily.
Prefers high humidity but with good ventilation.
Size of Frog
Adults: 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm).
Life Span
10–15 years in captivity with proper care.
Feeding
Diet: crickets, roaches, earthworms, and other appropriately sized insects.
Feed 3–4 times weekly.
Dust prey with calcium and vitamins regularly.
Color/Pattern
Dark green-and-black mottled body with raised, spiky tubercles resembling moss.
Large, protruding eyes with marbled patterns.
Exceptional camouflage when resting against mossy or rocky backgrounds.
Social Behavior
Can be housed in pairs or small groups if enclosure is spacious.
Generally peaceful, but provide multiple hides to reduce stress.
Loud, barking call at night, especially males during breeding season.
How to Determine Sex
Males: slightly smaller, develop rougher nuptial pads, and produce loud calls.
Females: larger, fuller-bodied, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
Requires a large, semi-aquatic enclosure with a significant water section.
Males call at night to attract females.
Eggs are laid above water on rocks, moss, or the sides of the enclosure.
Upon hatching, tadpoles drop into the water below and develop fully aquatic until metamorphosis.
🌿 The Vietnamese Mossy Frog is prized for its incredible camouflage and unique semi-aquatic lifestyle — making it both a display gem and a fascinating species to observe.
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
Common names: White’s Tree Frog, Australian Green Tree Frog, Dumpy Tree Frog.
Named after John White, the surgeon general who first described the species.
Nicknamed “dumpy” due to their chunky body shape and folds of skin.
Characteristics
Hardy, calm-tempered, and one of the most common pet tree frogs.
Known for being docile, often tolerating gentle handling better than most frogs.
Famous for its “smiling” expression and large golden eyes.
Recommended Vivarium Size
Minimum: 18” x 18” x 24” for 1–2 adults.
Larger enclosures (36” tall or more) are recommended for groups.
Provide climbing branches, large leaves, and horizontal perches.
Temperature
Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C).
Nighttime: 65–72°F (18–22°C).
Can tolerate warmer temperatures briefly, but provide cooler retreats.
Humidity
50–70% average, with regular misting.
Requires good ventilation to prevent bacterial/fungal skin issues.
Size of Frog
Adults: 3–4.5 inches (7.5–11 cm).
Females larger and bulkier than males.
Life Span
12–15 years in captivity, sometimes longer with excellent care.
Feeding
Diet: crickets, roaches, moths, and other appropriately sized insects.
Adults can occasionally take pinkie mice or feeder fish, but insects should be the staple diet.
Feed 3–4 times per week; dust prey with calcium and vitamins.
Color/Pattern
Normal form is bright to dark green, sometimes turquoise or blue-green.
Some individuals show white or golden spots along the back and sides.
Pale underbelly; skin texture is smooth but slightly waxy.
Social Behavior
Can be housed singly, in pairs, or in groups with adequate space.
Generally docile toward cage-mates.
Known to be vocal — males produce a loud, distinctive croak at night.
How to Determine Sex
Males: smaller, develop dark nuptial pads on thumbs, and call loudly.
Females: larger, rounder body.
Sexing juveniles is difficult until maturity.
How to Breed
Stimulate breeding with a rain chamber setup (heavy misting, water depth, and warmer temps).
Males call loudly to attract females.
Eggs are laid in water, usually attached to vegetation in clusters.
Tadpoles are aquatic and can metamorphose in 6–8 weeks depending on diet and conditions.
🐸 The Australian White’s Tree Frog is considered one of the best beginner tree frogs due to its hardiness, docile nature, and long lifespan.
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
Common names: White’s Tree Frog, Australian Green Tree Frog, Dumpy Tree Frog.
Named after John White, the surgeon general who first described the species.
Nicknamed “dumpy” due to their chunky body shape and folds of skin.
Characteristics
Hardy, calm-tempered, and one of the most common pet tree frogs.
Known for being docile, often tolerating gentle handling better than most frogs.
Famous for its “smiling” expression and large golden eyes.
Recommended Vivarium Size
Minimum: 18” x 18” x 24” for 1–2 adults.
Larger enclosures (36” tall or more) are recommended for groups.
Provide climbing branches, large leaves, and horizontal perches.
Temperature
Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C).
Nighttime: 65–72°F (18–22°C).
Can tolerate warmer temperatures briefly, but provide cooler retreats.
Humidity
50–70% average, with regular misting.
Requires good ventilation to prevent bacterial/fungal skin issues.
Size of Frog
Adults: 3–4.5 inches (7.5–11 cm).
Females larger and bulkier than males.
Life Span
12–15 years in captivity, sometimes longer with excellent care.
Feeding
Diet: crickets, roaches, moths, and other appropriately sized insects.
Adults can occasionally take pinkie mice or feeder fish, but insects should be the staple diet.
Feed 3–4 times per week; dust prey with calcium and vitamins.
Color/Pattern
Normal form is bright to dark green, sometimes turquoise or blue-green.
Some individuals show white or golden spots along the back and sides.
Pale underbelly; skin texture is smooth but slightly waxy.
Social Behavior
Can be housed singly, in pairs, or in groups with adequate space.
Generally docile toward cage-mates.
Known to be vocal — males produce a loud, distinctive croak at night.
How to Determine Sex
Males: smaller, develop dark nuptial pads on thumbs, and call loudly.
Females: larger, rounder body.
Sexing juveniles is difficult until maturity.
How to Breed
Stimulate breeding with a rain chamber setup (heavy misting, water depth, and warmer temps).
Males call loudly to attract females.
Eggs are laid in water, usually attached to vegetation in clusters.
Tadpoles are aquatic and can metamorphose in 6–8 weeks depending on diet and conditions.
🐸 The Australian White’s Tree Frog is considered one of the best beginner tree frogs due to its hardiness, docile nature, and long lifespan.