Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Vietnamese Mossy Frog, Tonkin Bug-Eyed Frog.
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Named for its moss-like skin texture and green-black mottling, which camouflages it perfectly against rocks and vegetation.
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Native to northern Vietnam, where it inhabits rocky streams and caves.
Characteristics
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Medium-sized frog with a bumpy, irregular skin texture that mimics moss.
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Nocturnal and semi-aquatic, spending time both in water and perched on rocks.
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Shy by day, but more active at night.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair.
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Semi-aquatic setup with a large water section and rocky land area is ideal.
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Provide cork bark, rocks, and shaded hiding places.
Temperature
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Daytime: 70–75°F (21–24°C).
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Nighttime: 65–70°F (18–21°C).
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Cooler-loving frog compared to most tropical tree frogs.
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: crickets, roaches, earthworms, 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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Dark green-and-black mottled body with raised, spiky tubercles resembling moss.
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Large, protruding eyes with marbled patterns.
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Exceptional camouflage when resting against mossy or rocky backgrounds.
Social Behavior
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Can be housed in pairs or small groups if enclosure is spacious.
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Generally peaceful, but provide multiple hides to reduce stress.
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Loud, barking call at night, especially males during breeding season.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: slightly smaller, develop rougher nuptial pads, and produce loud calls.
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Females: larger, fuller-bodied, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Requires a large, semi-aquatic enclosure with a significant water section.
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Males call at night to attract females.
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Eggs are laid above water on rocks, moss, or the sides of the enclosure.
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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.
