Two red frogs sitting on a green textured platform inside a glass terrarium, with a blurry background of green and brown vertical elements.
Close-up of a frog's head being held in a person's hand, showing its large, black eyes and textured brown skin.
A brown and orange toad partially submerged in dark soil.
Two roasted sweet potatoes on a black baking sheet.

Tomato frogs

(Dyscophus spp.) are colorful, round-bodied amphibians native to Madagascar. They’re well-loved in the pet trade and fascinating for their bold defenses.

General Overview

  • Scientific name: Dyscophus guineti, Dyscophus antongilii, and Dyscophus insularis

  • Common name: Tomato frog

  • Native range: Northeastern Madagascar, especially near marshes, swamps, and rainforests

  • Lifespan: 6–10 years in captivity

  • Size: 2.5–4 inches (females are larger than males)

Appearance

  • Bright red-orange to orange-yellow coloration—hence the name "tomato frog."

  • Females are more vividly red, while males are usually yellow-orange.

  • Sometimes display dark spots on the back or sides.

  • Plump body with short limbs, smooth skin, and a round, squat appearance.

Behavior & Natural History

  • Defense mechanism: When threatened, they secrete a sticky, white toxin through their skin that can gum up a predator’s mouth and cause irritation.

  • Diet: Insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They’re sit-and-wait predators, lunging quickly at passing prey.

  • Activity: Mostly nocturnal; during the day they hide under leaf litter, mud, or vegetation.

  • Reproduction: Breeding occurs during the rainy season. Males call with a deep, nasal croak to attract females, and females lay eggs in shallow water.

Captive Care Highlights

  • Enclosure: A 10–20 gallon terrarium with deep, moist substrate for burrowing and lots of leaf litter.

  • Humidity: High (60–80%), with regular misting.

  • Temperature: 70–80°F.

  • Feeding: Mainly insects like crickets, roaches, and worms.

  • Handling: Should be avoided—their skin secretions can irritate human skin, and handling stresses the frog.

Conservation & Fun Facts

  • Some species, like Dyscophus antongilii, are considered near threatened due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade.

  • Their bright red coloration is a form of aposematism—a warning to predators that they are toxic.

  • Despite their toxicity to predators, they are harmless when admired from a distance and make striking educational animals.