🐸 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.

1. 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

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

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

  • Daytime ambient: 74–80°F

  • Night: 70–75°F

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

Lighting

Milk frogs are nocturnal but benefit from a proper light cycle.

  • 12-hour day/night schedule

  • Low-intensity UVB is optional but beneficial

    • Recommended: 2.0–5.0 T5 HO UVB

    • Helps regulate natural behavior and vitamin D synthesis

Heating

Use:

  • Ceramic heat emitters

  • Radiant heat panels

  • Low-wattage heating elements

Never use hot rocks or intense basking bulbs.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

60–80% with daily peaks above 80%.

Maintain humidity through:

  • Twice-daily misting

  • Live plants

  • Moist substrate

  • Partial ventilation control

  • Automatic misters or foggers (helpful but not required)

Water

Provide:

  • A large, shallow water dish

  • Clean, dechlorinated or spring water

  • Daily water changes

Milk frogs soak frequently and need extremely clean water.

4. Diet

Amazon milk frogs are 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

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

Supplements

  • Calcium: every other feeding

  • Multivitamin: 1–2x weekly

Avoid mealworms and high-chitin insects.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Milk frogs are:

  • Generally calm

  • Arboreal

  • Nocturnal

  • Very active at night

  • Excellent display animals

They do not enjoy handling and should only be touched when absolutely necessary.

Handling

If you must handle:

  • 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

6. 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

Vet Care

Seek an exotic/reptile amphibian veterinarian for any concerns.

Final Notes

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.