Fire Bellied Toad Care Sheet

Below is a Fire Bellied Toad care sheet based upon my experiences with these brightly-colored amphibians.

Fire-bellied Toad
Bombina orientalis

Strangely enough, this amphibian species is technically not a member of the toad family (but it is accepted terminology). This species is frequently referred to as "Fire-belly toad," "Fire-bellied toad," and even the "Tuti toad." Not only do these toads have spectacular coloration, but they make entertaining amphibian captives as well.

Range: Korea, Northern China, adjoining parts of Russia, and a small introduced population in Beijing.

Physical Description: Fire-bellied toads generally have bright-green backs spackled with black mottling, while their bellies are painted a deep fire orange or red (as the name suggests), also with black mottling. Their ventral coloring suggests to predators that this species is toxic. They have small tubercules covering their dorsal side. These toads appear to have the ability to change their colors to a mild extent, based upon their environment.

Size: They usually attain an adult size of 2" to 2.5", although 3" specimens have been reported.

Behavior: Fire-bellied toads are diurnal and always active, always looking for their next meal. They can be aggressive with smaller tank mates.

Enclosure: These semi-aquatic toads need both land and water in their tank. I've utilized a 50/50 ratio successfully, but try to arrange a terrarium with at least 25% water coverage as they do seem to appreciate it. This can be provided via a large water dish, or by an aquarium that is split into land and water sections. Be sure to keep the water clean with regular changes, and remove the chlorine and chloramine with a chemical solution, as these toads seem particularly sensitive to these contaminants. Adding some real plants to the water will help add substance to the environment, and will provide an egg-laying location for females. The water should be shallow as they seem to prefer to sit in the water, rather than submerge themselves or dive.

The land section of the terrarium can be any number of substrates, but try to choose one that will hold moisture, such as moss, and keep it fairly humid (preferably no screen tops).

Heating & Humidity: Heating the tank is not necessary, as long as room temperature (72F) can be maintained. Fire-bellied toads are very cold tolerant, and periodic dips in temperature should not harm them. A dirt substrate with depth of at least 2" will help maintain humidity within the tank, when periodically moistened. Adding a surface of moss or leaves will also help preserve humidity in the soil.

Lighting: Simple fluorescent lighting is sufficient, and can be set on a day and night timer. UV lighting is unnecessary.

Feeding: No Fire Bellied Toad care sheet would be complete without mentioning their insatiable appetites. Feed these amphibians crickets, waxworms, mealworms, superworms, earthworms, and pretty much anything else that moves. Do not feed them wild-caught insects due to the potential for pesticide ingestion. Feed them daily, if possible.

In order to add a little color to this Fire-bellied toad care sheet, here's one of my most memorable experiences with this species. When I was about nine years old, I had three fire-bellied toads that I kept in a tank in my room (along with several other terrariums). My parents were having a fourth of July pool party, and I caught a small red-bellied snake with some of my cousins. I decided to put it in with the Fire-bellied toads, and within seconds, one of the adult toads (about 2") grabbed it! It had the snake, which was about 8" long, about half swallowed by the time I rescued it. Truth be told, I thought it was amazing, but my mom made me save the snake from being eaten.

Breeding: If you've got a small group, expect breeding to occur. A cooling period is unnecessary. Males croak to attract females, and begin mating when a female ventures within jumping distance. Eggs are usually attached to submerged plants, and hatch surprisingly fast (in as little as ten days). It takes about three months for the larvae to fully metamorphasize.

Price Range: Approximately $5 to $10. Most are wild-caught import babies, as captive-bred specimens don't demand high enough prices for breeders to focus on them. You can buy a Fire Bellied Toad for sale on our main website.

Species Notes: These toads can be very long lived, which some reports of specimens over ten years old.

Summary: Fire-bellied toads make extremely hardy captives, who are also very low maintenance. Their appetites make feeding them an entertaining event, and breeding is very achievable if you're interested in raising tadpoles.

Copyright 2011 - BackwaterReptiles.com

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Why buy our reptiles?

We offer exotic reptiles for sale online at absolute rock-bottom prices, which means we make these fascinating animals available to you affordably as pets, or even to start your own reptile breeding project. We are reptile enthusiasts who believe captive breeding is integral to the future of the market, as it not only helps protect wild herp populations, but is an incredibly rewarding experience that tends to intensify one's passion for these amazing prehistoric creatures. Whether you buy a snake, lizard, turtle, tortoise, or alligator, we are driven to provide the highest quality live reptiles for sale.

Why buy our amphibians?

Amphibians are generally slower-moving than reptiles, and have uniquely moist skin which means they are never far from a source of water. Their life cycle is nothing short of incredible: they hatch in water, spend weeks or months in metamorphosis, then become either terrestrial or remain primarily water bound. Some salamanders even breathe through their skin! Our live amphibians for sale online include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Some are huge, some are small, and virtually all are amazing to observe in captivity. When you buy amphibians from us, you can rest assured they are fully guaranteed to arrive alive and in great condition. Why not start an amphibian breeding project today?

Why buy our reptile feeders?

Reptile and amphibian food should be varied, which is why we offer an array of feeder insects for sale. It's always far more cost effective to buy feeder insects in bulk, which often saves up to 70% off pet store prices. Plus, the feeders are delivered right to your doorstep. We offer live crickets for sale, as well as dubia roaches, mealworms, wax worms, nightcrawlers, and now even lizards, all at the lowest possible prices. Our reptile and amphibian feeder insects and lizards include a guarantee of live arrival.

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