🐸 General Info

Amazon Milk Frogs (Trachycephalus resinifictrix), also called Mission Golden-Eyed Tree Frogs, are medium-to-large arboreal frogs native to the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. They are named for the sticky, milky secretion they produce when stressed, used as a natural defense.

They are known for their striking blue-gray bodies, dark brown banding, and blue toe pads, with juveniles being brighter and adults developing a slightly bumpy texture as they mature. Adults typically reach 2.5–4 inches and are hardy, moderately easy to keep, and very rewarding display animals.

Amazon milk frogs are nocturnal, humidity-loving, and prefer tall enclosures with plenty of climbing room. With proper care, they live 8–12+ years in captivity.

Enclosure

  • Size: As arboreal frogs, height is essential.

    • Juveniles: 12x12x18

    • Adults: Minimum 18x18x24

    • Ideal: 24x18x36 or larger for groups

    • They do extremely well in pairs or small groups, provided space is adequate.

  • Material

    • Front-opening glass terrariums (Exo Terra / Zoo Med)

    • Acrylic or PVC arboreal enclosures

    • Must retain humidity well but still allow airflow

  • Substrate: Use moisture-retaining substrates such as:

    • Coconut husk

    • Sphagnum moss

    • Eco Earth

    • Bioactive mixes (excellent for this species)

  • A drainage layer (LECA/hydroballs) is highly recommended to prevent stagnant water and allow plants to thrive.

  • Décor

    • Vertical cork rounds

    • Branches and vines

    • Large leafy plants (live or artificial)

    • Multiple perches and elevated hides

    • Water area or large basin

  • Tip: Milk frogs prefer elevated sleeping spots and will cluster on branches.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Temperature

    • Daytime ambient: 74–80°F

    • Night: 70–75°F

    • Basking/Hot Spot: None required — avoid temps over 82°F

  • Lighting

    • Low-intensity UVB is optional but beneficial

    • Recommended: 2.0–5.0 T5 HO UVB - Replace bulb every 6 - 12 months based on manufactures recommendations

    • Day/cycle: 12 to 14 hours of light - Helps regulate natural behavior and vitamin D synthesis

  • Heating

    • Ceramic heat emitters

    • Radiant heat panels

    • Low-wattage heating elements

  • Tip: Never use hot rocks or intense basking bulbs.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 60–80% with daily peaks above 80%.

  • Maintaining humidity:

    • Twice-daily misting

    • Live plants

    • Moist substrate

    • Partial ventilation control

    • Automatic misters or foggers (helpful but not required)

  • Water

    • A large, shallow water dish

    • Clean, dechlorinated or spring water

    • Daily water changes

  • Tip: Milk frogs soak frequently and need extremely clean water.

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores.

  • Staple Foods

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Black soldier fly larvae

    • Small hornworms

    • Silkworms

    • Isopods (supplemental)

  • Feeding Schedule

    • Juveniles: 4–6 times per week

    • Adults: 2–4 times per week

  • Tip: Feed prey items no larger than the width between the frog’s eyes.

  • Supplements

    • Calcium: every other feeding

    • Multivitamin: 1–2x weekly

  • Tip: Avoid mealworms and high-chitin insects. only as occasional treats

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Milk Frogs are generally calm, spending most of their time higher up in their enclosure. Mostly active at night as they are nocturnal but do make great display animals.

  • Handling - ONLY HANDLE IF YOU MUST

    • Wash hands before and after

    • Use damp, clean hands

    • Keep handling short and gentle

    • Their skin absorbs chemicals easily — avoid soaps, lotions, and oils.

  • Enrichment

    • Climbing branches

    • Vertical hides

    • Dense foliage

    • Misting cycles

    • Live plants for naturalistic behavior

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 8–12+ years with proper care.

  • Common Health Issues

    • Skin infections from low ventilation or dirty water

    • Bacterial infections from poor hygiene

    • Respiratory issues from low humidity

    • Nutritional deficiencies without supplements

    • Parasitic infections (especially in wild-caught frogs)

  • Signs of Illness

    • Lethargy

    • Redness or sores on skin

    • Refusal to eat

    • Trouble climbing

    • Thin or bloated appearance

    • Cloudy eyes

    • Excessive sitting at bottom of enclosure

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

Amazon milk frogs are hardy, striking, and active display amphibians that thrive in tall, lush, humid enclosures. With the right temperature, humidity, clean water, and a varied insect diet, they are long-lived and stunning additions to any collection. Their unique coloration, gentle nature, and beautiful calls make them one of the most popular tree frog species in the hobby.