🐸 General Info

Fire Belly Toads (Bombina orientalis), also called Oriental Fire Bellies, are small, hardy, semi-aquatic amphibians found across China, Korea, and parts of Russia. They are named for their vibrant red or orange bellies, which serve as a warning to predators. Their dorsal coloration is bright green with black mottling, making them highly attractive display animals.

They are active, bold, and very easy to keep, making them excellent amphibians for beginners and experienced keepers alike. Adults typically reach 1.5–2.5 inches, and their semi-aquatic nature requires both land and water in the enclosure.

Fire belly toads are diurnal, extremely active, and social—thriving best in groups of 3–6. With proper care, they can live 10–15+ years in captivity.

Enclosure

  • Size - Fire belly toads need a horizontal setup with both land and water.

    • Small Groups (2–3): 10–15 gallons

    • 4–6 Toads: 20 gallons minimum

    • Ideal: Wide, shallow semi-aquatic setups

      • They thrive in aquatic-terrestrial paludarium-style enclosures.

  • Material

    • Glass aquariums

    • Front-opening terrariums

    • Semi-aquatic paludariums

    • Excellent ventilation

    • A secure escape-proof lid

  • Substrate

    • For the land area, use:

    • Coconut fiber

    • Eco Earth

    • Sphagnum moss

    • Soil mixes (no fertilizers or chemicals)

    • For the water section, include:

      • Smooth river stones

      • Aquarium-safe gravel

      • Live or artificial aquatic plants

      • A gentle land slope or divider should create distinct land and water zones.

  • Décor

    • Cork bark platforms

    • Floating logs

    • Aquatic plants (Anubias, Java fern, pothos)

    • Sturdy land plants

    • Hides on both land and water edges

    • They enjoy shallow water and numerous places to perch.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Temperature

    • Daytime ambient: 72–76°F

    • Night: 65–70°F

    • Avoid temps above 78°F

  • Lighting

    • Low-intensity UVB is optional but beneficial

    • Recommended: 2.0–5.0 UVB - replace blub every 6 - 12 months according to manufactures instructions

    • Day/Night Cycle: 12 - 14 hours a day

  • Heating

    • Most keepers do not need supplemental heating unless room temps drop too low.

    • If needed, use a low-wattage heat source

    • Avoid strong heat bulbs or high-output lamps

    • Do not use hot rocks.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity - 50–70% humidity.

    • A large water section

    • Regular misting

    • Live plants

    • Partially covered lid if needed

  • Water

    • At least 50% of the enclosure as water

    • Shallow, filtered water

    • Smooth ramps and exits to prevent drowning

    • Clean, dechlorinated water ONLY

    • Weekly full water changes or a gentle filtration system

    • Fire belly toads often spend much of their time floating or swimming.

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores

  • Staple Foods

    • Crickets

    • Small dubia roaches

    • Earthworms

    • Black soldier fly larvae

    • Flightless fruit flies (for juveniles)

    • Small hornworms

    • Waxworms (occasional treat)

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Juveniles: 4–6 times weekly

    • Adults: 2–4 times weekly

  • Tip: Feed prey items that are appropriately sized—generally no larger than the width of their head, and avoid feeding wild caught insects do to possible pesticide risks.

  • Supplements:

    • Calcium: 2–3x per week

    • Multivitamin: 1x per week

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament - Fire belly toads are usually pretty bold, but active and social with each other. They can be vocal and with their coloration make for excellent display animals - not good for handling.

  • They do not like handling due to their sensitive skin and toxin-secreting ability.

  • Handling

    • Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary but if you must:

    • Wash hands before and after

    • Use clean, wet hands

    • Handle minimally and briefly

    • Their skin absorbs chemicals, and they secrete mild toxins when stressed.

  • Enrichment

    • Aquatic plants

    • Floating platforms

    • Land foliage

    • Rocks and hides

    • Varied perches

    • Complex semi-aquatic habitat

    • They thrive in interactive, enriched enclosures.

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care.

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Red leg syndrome (bacterial infections)

    • Skin infections from dirty water or poor hygiene

    • Toxin buildup from unfiltered or unclean water

    • Nutritional deficiencies without supplements

    • Parasites, especially in wild-caught specimens

  • Signs of Illness

    • Lethargy

    • Abnormal floating

    • Poor appetite

    • Swollen limbs

    • Redness or lesions on skin

    • Difficulty swimming

    • Weight loss or bloating

  • Veterinarian 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:

Fire belly toads are colorful, hardy, semi-aquatic amphibians that thrive in well-maintained paludariums with clean water, stable temps, and plenty of enrichment. Their bold green pattern, bright warning bellies, and active behavior make them outstanding display animals. With proper care, they are long-lived, entertaining, and ideal for both beginners and seasoned amphibian keepers.