Common Name :-Oriental Fire Bellied Toad

Classification/Latin name :-Bombina Orientalis

Subfamily :-

Size :-Up to 5cm

Distribution :-North Eastern China, Korea

Natural habitat:-

Found in highlands alongside small streams.

Description:-

A small toad with a green or brown and black back, and a bright red and black belly, hence the name.

Enclosure size:-

A small aquarium or fish tank is ideal and can be set up either mainly water with a small land area or land with a large water dish. A 45cm tank seems ideal for a pair.

Heating and temperature:-

A small heat mat at one end of the enclosure will provide enough heat for these hardy toads.

Lighting and day length:-

No artificial lighting is required, providing the enclosure is sited in natural light. If this is not possible, then a small fluorescent tube, providing a 10-12 hour day is ideal.

Humidity:-

This is high in these vivariums due to the large water surface area which is required.

Substrate and decoration:-

If the aquatic setup is used then washed aquarium gravel seems to be the best both in the water and on the land. If the terrestrial setup is used then bark chip is ideal, helping to maintain the high humidity. Hides should also be provided, cork bark being the best for this. If used in the aquatic setup, oxygenating plants are aesthetically pleasing.

Feeding and vitamins:-

Fire bellied toads only eat small invertebra with SMALL crickets or locusts being used as the staple diet. Treats of small earthworms, spiders and wax worms can also be given. With a varied diet, no vitamins are required, however it is recommended that at least once a week a vitamin powder is used to help prevent any possible problems.

Possible problems:-

These toads are very hardy and rarely develop problems if the enclosure is kept clean and hands are wet before handling.

Handling:-

Fire bellied toads can secrete toxins so it is advisable that hands are washed before and after handling. They do not seem to enjoy being handled so it should be kept to a minimum.

Breeding and egg incubation:-

This is stimulated by an increase in natural light and the aquatic setup is ideal for egg laying. Once eggs are produced, remove them to an aquarium which is well planted with oxygenating plants. The tadpoles can be fed on fish flakes and some frozen bloodworm. When their legs are developing a land area must be provided. Floating cork bark seems ideal for this. Once the tail is lost, transfer the toadlets to a similar setup to that used for adults.

Further reading:-