Cuban Tree Frogs are the largest tree frog in North America, reaching an adult size of 15cm (6 inches). They adapt very well to captive life and make great beginners Tree Frogs! This item is currently unavailable
Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are a popular exotic pet species originating from Cuba the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. In the wild these frogs can grow up to 5 inches long and live for 5-10 years. With proper care, Cuban tree frogs can live over 12 years in captivity. This complete care guide will provide all the key information needed to successfully care for a Cuban tree frog.
Housing
Cuban tree frogs are arboreal frogs that spend most of their time off the ground. A tall, vertically-oriented vivarium is ideal for them. The minimum enclosure size for 1-2 frogs is a 20 gallon tall tank. For each additional frog add 10 gallons. The tank should be sparsely furnished with plenty of climbing branches and artificial foliage. A screen top is essential for ventilation.
Since they are nocturnal, Cuban tree frogs don’t require special lighting. However, providing a day/night cycle with a low wattage incandescent or fluorescent light on a 12 hour on/off cycle is beneficial.
Temperature & Humidity
Cuban tree frogs do best at warmer temperatures between 75-86°F during the day and 65-75°F at night. A low wattage incandescent bulb, ceramic heat emitter, or undertank heating pad can be used to maintain proper temperatures.
Humidity levels between 60-80% should be maintained. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure once or twice per day and using a moisture-friendly substrate like coconut fiber. An automatic mister can help maintain humidity in drier environments.
Substrate
Coconut fiber substrates like Eco Earth work well for Cuban tree frogs. Sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and peat moss also help retain humidity. Substrate should be kept moist but not wet.
Water
A large, shallow water dish big enough for the frog to soak in should be provided. Change the water daily. Misting the enclosure once or twice daily also helps supplement their hydration.
Decor
Cuban tree frogs feel most secure when provided with ample places to hide and climb. Driftwood, logs, and cork bark make great naturalistic climbing and hiding spots. Live or artificial plants help recreate the rainforest environment these frogs come from.
Diet & Feeding
Cuban tree frogs are voracious predators that will eat any appropriately-sized feeder insect. Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and waxworms are excellent feeders. Feeders should be no bigger than the space between the frog’s eyes. Juveniles can be fed daily while adults can be fed every 2-3 days. Dust feeders with calcium + vitamin D3 1-2 times per week.
Handling
Cuban tree frogs have delicate skin and should be handled minimally or not at all. Their skin also secretes a mildly irritating substance that can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals. Always wash hands before and after handling. Scoop up the frog gently – never grab them. Hands should remain wet during handling to avoid damaging the frog’s skin.
Common Health Issues
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Metabolic Bone Disease: Caused by improper calcium, vitamin D3, and/or UVB exposure. Signs include rubbery legs, twitching, and trouble climbing. Can be prevented by proper supplementation and UVB lighting.
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Bacterial Infections: Usually caused by poor water quality or unsanitary enclosure conditions. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, and abnormal skin coloration or texture. Improving enclosure hygiene and water quality usually resolves infections. If not, antibiotics from a vet may be required.
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Parasites: Parasitic worms and protozoa can infest frogs and cause illness. Quarantine and have fecal tests performed on new frogs to check for parasites. Fenbendazole is an effective broad-spectrum dewormer.
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Red Leg: A potentially fatal bacterial infection named for the red tissue lesions it causes. It requires urgent veterinary treatment. Maintaining excellent water quality helps prevent its occurrence.
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Skin Injuries: Cuts, abrasions, and other skin trauma can occur during handling or from sharp enclosure decor. Keep handling minimal and monitor decor. Antibiotic ointments can be used to treat minor skin injuries.
Enclosure Maintenance
- Spot clean waste daily.
- Replace water dish contents daily.
- Disinfect enclosure decor when visibly soiled.
- Remove uneaten food after 1-2 hours.
- Deep clean and replace substrate every 4-8 weeks.
Breeding
Cuban tree frogs can be prolific breeders when conditions are right. They breed in temporary rain pools during the wet season. Mimicking this in captivity starts with a cooler winter period followed by increased misting and heavy springtime feedings.
Eggs are laid on leaves above water and hatch into tadpoles that fall into the water below. Tadpoles are gregarious and cannibalistic, requiring frequent water changes and feeding. Metamorphosis takes 2-3 months, after which tiny froglets will emerge from the water. Raising tadpoles and froglets takes experience and dedication. Consult breeding references before attempting.
When set up properly, Cuban tree frogs make hardy and engaging display pets. Their unique coloration, comical features, and energetic nighttime antics make them fun to observe. With the right mix of tall space to climb, warmth, humidity, and food, Cuban tree frogs can thrive and live over a decade in captivity. Their care is relatively straightforward for beginners who provide them with the habitat conditions and nutrition they require. With a little background research and proper ongoing care, Cuban tree frogs make rewarding exotic pets.
Where are Cuban Tree Frogs from?
Cuban Tree Frogs are native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. They have been introduced into North America. In Florida they are now classed as a pest as this species grows large and easily adapts to their surrounds. They are having a big impact on the native amphibians.
During the day they are perched in trees sleeping and search for food during the safety of the night. Cuban Tree Frogs are very noisy and sound like dogs barking. They do this at odd times during the night, like 3am, so if you are thinking about having one or two, take this into account.
What does a Cuban Tree Frog look like?
Cuban Tree Frogs are the largest species of Tree Frog found in North America. Females reach an adult size of 15cm (6 inches) the males are generally smaller reaching no more than 10cm (4 inches). They vary in colour from brown, grey to yellow-green, basically they blend into their environment. Many have marbled or striped patterning, some can show small spots, which after a few days may fade and disappear. They have large eyes for hunting and sticky toe pads for climbing.
I RESCUE a Cuban Tree Frog
FAQ
What size tank does a Cuban tree frog need?
Size – Cuban Tree Frogs require a minimum of a 10-gallon tank. Cuban Tree Frogs are extremely active at night and would be best kept in a 20-gallon high tank or larger. Substrate – Due to humidity requirements an absorbent substrate is desired. Peat moss, coconut fiber, reptile bark or sphagnum moss are suitable.
What does a Cuban tree frog eat?
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Insects:They are known to eat a wide variety of insects, including beetles, roaches, and spiders.
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Invertebrates:They also consume other small invertebrates.
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Small Vertebrates:Cuban tree frogs are not limited to insects and invertebrates; they also prey on small vertebrates, including other frogs (both native and conspecific), and lizards.
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Cannibalism:They are also known to be cannibalistic, meaning they will eat other frogs, including their own species.
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Impacts on Native Species:Because of their voracious appetite and ability to consume native species, Cuban tree frogs are considered an invasive species in Florida and other areas, posing a threat to native biodiversity.
Do Cuban treefrogs need UVB light?
Lighting and UVB
Cuban Tree Frogs are nocturnal, but are opportunistic and could be described as crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk. We think that all species should be kept with low level UVB these days as best practice, but strictly speaking it isn’t mandatory for Cuban Tree Frogs.