Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Starry Night Reed Frog, Spotted Reed Frog.
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Named for its black body covered in small white-to-yellow “star-like” spots, resembling a starry night sky.
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Belongs to the Heterixalus genus, often called “reed frogs” due to their habitat in grasses and reeds.
Characteristics
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Small, nocturnal, semi-arboreal frog.
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Known for its striking appearance and vocal nighttime activity.
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Native to Madagascar, often found near ponds, rice paddies, and wetlands.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a small group (3–4 frogs).
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Vertical setups are preferred, with reeds, live plants, and climbing structures.
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Provide both land areas and a shallow water section for soaking and breeding.
Temperature
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: small insects such as crickets, fruit flies, and houseflies.
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Feed daily or every other day.
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Dust prey with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week.
Color/Pattern
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Black or dark brown base color with scattered white or yellow star-like spots across the body.
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Belly is lighter, often pale or cream-colored.
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Contrasting pattern makes it one of the most unique reed frog species.
Social Behavior
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Can be housed in small groups.
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Males are very vocal, producing trills and chirps during the night, especially in breeding season.
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Generally peaceful but should have space and plant cover to avoid stress.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, very vocal, and develop darker throats when calling.
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Females: larger, fuller-bodied, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Stimulate breeding with heavy misting and simulated rainy-season conditions.
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Males call to attract females, and eggs are laid on aquatic vegetation or near water.
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Tadpoles develop in shallow water and can be raised in separate aquatic setups.
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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.
