The Fire-bellied toad is a fascinating creature and is a member of the Bombinatoridae family. These toads have an interesting pattern with attractive colors. They are known for being social with each other but have certain risks as tank mates. Some species of fire-bellied toads are known to secrete a toxin through their skin called bombesin.
Since Fire-bellied toads release toxins if they feel threatened by other creatures in their presence, it is challenging to keep them with other types of amphibians and fish. It is not uncommon for the toxins to build up and harm fellow tank mates. However, we’ve found a few species that can live safely with Fire-bellied toads.
The 3 Greatest Tank Mates for Fire-Bellied Toads
1. Madagascar Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis)
| Size: | 9 – 11 inches (23 -28 cm), females smaller than males |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 40 gallons |
| Care Level: | Intermediate |
| Temperament: | Males are aggressive toward conspecifics |
These geckos are native to Madagascar and have a bright green coloration with orange on the head. Madagascar Giant Day geckos are most active during the day. Like most geckos, the males can be aggressive and territorial and will not accept other males in their tank.
They only allow females to enter their territory. In captivity, where the females cannot escape, the males can also seriously wound them. Therefore, it is best only to house one with your Fire-bellied frogs.
2. Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis)
| Size: | 5 – 8 inches (12.5–20.3 cm) including tail |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 40 gallons |
| Care Level: | Experienced keepers only |
| Temperament: | Males are aggressive toward conspecifics |
The anole is a tree-dwelling species native to the southeastern United States. When paired with fire-bellied toads, they make quite a fascinating pair. However, anoles require a more experienced owner who can provide the right conditions for them.
Male anoles should not be housed with other males and should not be able to view their reflection, as they attack it out of territorial aggression.
3. Tree Frogs (Hylidae)
| Size: | 2 – 5 inches |
| Diet: | Insectivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Care Level: | Intermediate |
| Temperament: | Peaceful and inquisitive |
Tree frogs are small amphibians that do great with toads. They have the same setup, and the Tree frog and Fire-bellied toad enjoy spending most of their time in branches and hiding amongst leaves. They have similar hydration requirements, which makes them excellent for an enclosure with a body of water.
What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Fire-Bellied Toads?
The best tank mate for a Fire-belly is another amphibian. Though toads need access to water, they aren’t good tank mates for fish. Fire-bellied toads are very weak swimmers and only enjoy sitting in shallow water (for hydration, as they drink by absorbing water through specialized areas in their skin). They should only be in water that is about 1-2 inches deep at most, which isn’t deep enough to house fish.
Where Do Fire-Bellied Toads Prefer to Live in the Enclosure?
The Fire-bellied toad prefers to live near the bottom of the enclosure. They enjoy hiding in the moist substrate and taking cover under a nice leaf. The bottom of the enclosure seems to hold the most moisture and prevents the frogs from drying out. Fire-bellied toads sometimes climb toward the middle of the enclosure depending on where they prefer to eat.
Water Parameters
Fire-bellied toads are semi-aquatic, which means they live on land and in water. Whenever the toad is a tadpole, it lives exclusively in the water but adapts to living on land. Still, a full-grown toad likes to hang out in pools of water.
The water needs to be clean so that the toad can remain healthy. Ammonia and nitrate levels should be 0 PPM, ideally 0 PPM, but they might be as high as 0.25 PPM. Nitrate levels should be below 30 PPM.
Before placing your Fire-bellied toad in the enclosure, dechlorinate the water. Additionally, change it frequently so the toad and tank mates are healthy.
Size
The Fire-bellied toad can grow to be 2 inches long. At the very minimum, you can use a 20-gallon enclosure. If you add tank mates, increase the size so that all creatures have adequate space.
Conclusion
The Fire-bellied toad can get along with a few tankmates. These social toads will appreciate having friends around them, and it will make caring for them extra special because you get to incorporate some of your favorite tank mates with your Fire-bellied toad. Many owners claim that their toads are livelier and more active when kept with other creatures, which makes watching them more enjoyable.
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Featured Image Credit: reptiles4all, Shutterstock
