Amazon Milk Frogs

Scientific Name: Trachyephalus resinifictrix AKA: Phyrnohyas resinifictrix

Common Name: Amazon Milk Frog

Distribution: Amazon Basin

Size at Maturity: 3 - 3.5 inches

Trade Availability: Scarce, Captive Bred/Born

Natural Habitat: Tree dweller often found on the bark of trees

CAPTIVE HABITAT:

• A 29 gallon aquarium or 18x18x24 terrarium is suitable for 2 - 3 adults. A large enclosure is required because of their size.
• The bottom of the terrarium should be covered with Peat Sphagnum (1/4 inch).
• Shallow water dish (distilled water is recommended)
• Plant consisting of Pothos, Ficus and Philodendron.
• It seems they enjoy branches hanging over water.

TEMPERATURE (°F):

• Daytime: No more than 82 degrees
• Nighttime: 68–70°
• Monitor temperature with a reliable thermometer

HUMIDITY:

Suggestion for the cover/lid is screen top covering 80% with Saran Wrap, glass or plexiglass.

Monitor humidity with a reliable hygrometer.

LIGHTING:

2% UVB is required for froglets 2 months & older, no more than 3% UVB. UVB is essential for frog’s growth.

**UV rays help eliminate excess bacteria growth (not to say bacteria will not grow in the tank, but it will help lower it).

FOOD:

Small froglets can be offered 1/8 inch crickets

As juveniles – 1/4” crickets - Try house flies for an entertaining treat!

Adults can be upgraded to 1/2–3/4 inch crickets.

**Adults may be offered small roaches of the same size as the crickets they're currently eating.

Dust all food with Rep-Cal Herptivite & Rep-Cal Ultra-fine Calcium w/Vitamin D₃

***3 parts Herptivite to 1 part Calcium***

Breeding:

They are not exceptionally difficult to breed, but can be difficult to breed consistently. Seasonal cycling, coupled with a large water volume and heavy feeding, can encourage breeding. Each female will lay between 300-1,000 eggs, which quickly develop into voracious tadpoles that eat A LOT! After about 2 months in the water, the tadpoles morph into dime-to-penny-size froglets, which are initially gray in color.

Links of Interest: 

• Amphibian Care – Good Amazon Milk Frog Care sheet by Devin Edmonds, a very accomplished frog hobbyist and researcher
• Amazon Milk Frogs from Josh's Frogs