Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: True Tomato Frog, Antongil Bay Tomato Frog.
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Named for its bright red, tomato-like coloration and its native region of Antongil Bay in Madagascar.
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Distinguished from closely related species (Dyscophus guineti and Dyscophus insularis) by its more vivid red coloration.
Characteristics
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Large, terrestrial frog with a rounded, plump body.
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Known for its defensive behavior: when threatened, it can inflate its body and secrete a sticky, irritating substance to deter predators.
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Nocturnal and ground-dwelling, preferring leaf litter and humid forest floors.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 20-gallon long tank for one adult.
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Larger enclosures (36” x 18” or bigger) recommended for multiple frogs.
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Provide deep substrate (coco fiber, soil, leaf litter) for burrowing, along with hides and a shallow water dish.
Temperature
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: crickets, roaches, earthworms, silkworms, and other appropriately sized insects.
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Feed 3–4 times weekly.
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Dust prey with calcium and vitamins regularly.
Color/Pattern
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Females: bright red to scarlet, the classic “tomato” look.
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Males: usually duller orange or rusty red.
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Juveniles often brown or tan, developing red coloration with age.
Social Behavior
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Can be housed singly or in small groups (1 male with multiple females recommended).
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Males call with a deep, resonant croak, especially during rainy conditions.
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Some aggression may occur in confined spaces, so provide multiple hides.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, duller coloration, with distinct calls.
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Females: larger, bulkier, and much brighter red.
How to Breed
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Stimulate breeding with a rain chamber setup (increased misting and water depth).
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Eggs are laid in large clumps on the water’s surface.
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Tadpoles are free-swimming and omnivorous, requiring a separate aquatic rearing setup.
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Metamorphosis occurs in 6–8 weeks depending on diet and temperature.
🍅 The True Tomato Frog (D. antongilii) is prized for its vivid red coloration, making it a standout among Madagascan frogs — and is considered a flagship species for amphibian conservation.
