Fire-Bellied Toads in a Riparium: Care and Setup

Before we ever wrote about river tanks, we kept fire-bellied toads in one. They're one of the best amphibians for a riparium: small, tough, active in the daytime, and happy splitting their time between water and land.

Quick facts

• Species: the Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis) is the one you'll see in pet stores.
• From: Korea, northeastern China and parts of Russia.
• Size: about 2 inches.
• Lifespan: often 10 to 15 years, and some reach 20 in captivity.
• Look: bright green and black on top, red-orange and black underneath.

The setup

Fire-bellied toads need both water and land. A riparium is ideal.

• Tank: a 20-gallon long is a good start for a small group of 3 or 4.
• Water: about half the floor, a few inches deep, with an easy way out. Use dechlorinated water and a gentle filter.
• Land: smooth rocks, cork bark, moss or plants rooted at the waterline. See riparium plants that grow with their roots in the water.
• Temperature: the low to mid-70s °F. Most homes don't need a heater; avoid hot spots over 80.
• Lid: tight. They climb and they're good at finding gaps.
• Light: normal day-and-night lighting.

Food

They only eat live, moving food.

• Crickets sized smaller than the toad's head.
• Earthworms, cut if large.
• Small roaches, mealworms now and then.
• Dust insects with a calcium and vitamin powder a couple of times a week.

Feed adults every two or three days. They'll eat until they're round, so don't overdo it.

Handling

That bright belly is a warning: their skin makes a mild toxin. It won't hurt you through normal skin, but it stings in the eyes, mouth or cuts. Wash your hands after touching them, and handle them as little as possible.

Tankmates

• Other fire-bellied toads: yes, they're social.
• Small fish: risky. Toads may eat tiny fish, and fin-nippers may bother the toads. Their skin secretions can also stress fish in a small volume of water. Many keepers keep them on their own.
• Snails: usually fine.
• Other amphibians: generally no.

Cleaning

Toads produce a lot of waste for their size. Change part of the water weekly, rinse the filter media in old tank water, and pick up uneaten insects. Learn more in how often to change aquarium water.

Fire-bellied toads were one of the reasons we fell for river tanks. Read more on our About page.

Sources (2)

Reptiles Magazine: Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad · Zoo Med: Fire-Belly Toad

Photo: Bombina orientalis 11344271 by Kim, Hyun-tae, CC BY 4.0.

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