Oriental Fire Belly Toad

Common Name: Oriental Fire Belly Toad Latin name: Bombina orientalis

Native to: China, Korea, and Southeast Asia

Size: Generally from 2 to 2½ inches in length

Life span: This species can live 10 to 14 years, but there are many reports of specimens 20 years old or older.

General appearance: This toad’s coloration ranges from grass green to forest green with black blotches. The underbelly ranges from a flame red to a weak orange in color. The brightly colored belly acts as warning coloration to other species. The fire belly toad secretes a toxin when stressed.

Housing requirements:

Enclosure: A 10-gallon aquarium with a secure lid should be adequate for a pair of toads. When
housing toads together it is important that they are the same size as they can be
cannibalistic. A 50/50 ratio of land to water is usually the best way to maintain these
animals for breeding. A strictly forest floor type of enclosure is fine if you will not be
breeding.

Temperature: Air temperature should be maintained at 68º to 75º F with a basking spot of 74º to 85º F. Water temperatures should be 76º to 78º F.

Heat/Light: Room temperature is usually adequate for these toads. Using heat bulbs can create
basking spots. Water temperatures can me raised by using an aquarium heater.
Substrate: Materials like Bed-a-Beast™, sterilized potting soil, or sphagnum moss can all be used as substrate. Gravel is not recommended as the top layer of substrate because the toads
may ingest the gravel and cause an impaction.

Diet: These toads can be fed crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Adults have also been known to eat pinkie mice.

Maintenance: If using a forest floor type of setup, spot clean regularly and replace the substrate as needed. Fresh dechlorinated water should be offered daily. If using a 50/50 ratio of land to water setup, spot clean the land portion as above and use a filtration system for the water. Partial water changes are recommended weekly. Be advised to not hand the toads excessively since the oils found naturally on our hands can harm the toads with frequent handling. Whenever handling the toads or cleaning the cage or cage accessories it is always recommended to wash you hands thoroughly when finished.

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