🐸 General Info

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs (Agalychnis callidryas) are iconic, brilliantly colored arboreal amphibians native to the rainforests of Central America. They are instantly recognizable by their bright red eyes, vibrant green bodies, blue/yellow flank stripes, and orange toes. Their striking appearance and energetic behavior make them one of the most popular display amphibians in the hobby.

Adults typically reach 2–3 inches, with females being noticeably larger than males. They are nocturnal, shy, and prefer minimal handling. Red-eyed tree frogs thrive in tall, heavily planted enclosures with stable humidity, moderate warmth, and clean, dechlorinated water.

With proper care, they can live 5–10+ years in captivity, sometimes longer.

1. Enclosure

Size

Red-eyed tree frogs need vertical climbing space and dense foliage.

  • Single frog: 18" x 18" x 24"

  • Pair or small group: 24" x 18" x 24"

  • Larger group (3–5): 36" tall enclosures preferred

Height is more important than floor space.

Material

Suitable enclosure types:

  • Front-opening glass terrariums (best for humidity)

  • Tall, bioactive terrariums

  • Glass aquariums with screen tops (humidity can be harder to maintain)

Must have excellent ventilation and secure lids.

Substrate

Moisture-holding substrates are essential:

  • Coconut fiber

  • Eco Earth

  • Sphagnum moss

  • Plantation soil

  • Bioactive soil mixes

Most keepers use a drainage layer (LECA or pebbles) with a mesh barrier to prevent waterlogging.

Décor

Provide a dense, jungle-like environment:

  • Tall branches

  • Vines (natural or artificial)

  • Cork bark

  • Broad-leaf plants (pothos, philodendron, bromeliads)

  • Elevated resting spots

  • Backgrounds for climbing

Red-eyed tree frogs sleep on leaves high in the enclosure, so elevated cover is essential.

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

  • Daytime ambient: 75–82°F

  • Warm area: ~84°F

  • Night: 68–74°F

Avoid prolonged temps above 85°F.

Lighting

Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal, but lighting is still required for a proper day/night cycle and plant growth.

  • 12-hour light cycle

  • LED or jungle-style lighting works well

  • Low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) is beneficial but not required

Heating

Use gentle overhead heat:

  • Low-wattage bulbs

  • Heat projected from above

  • Avoid heat mats and hot rocks

Maintain consistent warmth without overheating the enclosure.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

These rainforest frogs require 70–90% humidity.

Achieve this with:

  • Twice-daily misting

  • Live plants

  • Moist substrate

  • Partial screen coverage

  • Automatic misters or foggers (optional but helpful)

Provide both moist and drier retreat areas—they enjoy gradients.

Water

Provide:

  • A shallow water dish

  • Clean, dechlorinated water ONLY

  • Daily water changes

  • Easy-to-climb-out dish

Red-eyed tree frogs may soak occasionally, but they primarily hydrate through skin absorption during misting.

4. Diet

Red-eyed tree frogs are insectivores with active feeding behavior at night.

Staple Foods

  • Crickets

  • Dubia roaches

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Small hornworms

  • Earthworms (for large adults)

  • Fruit flies for juveniles

Occasional Treats

  • Waxworms (rare—high fat)

  • Butterworms

  • Moths (safe wild-caught at night)

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Every 1–2 days

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

Feed only what they will consume in one sitting.

Supplements

  • Calcium: 2–3× per week

  • Multivitamin: 1× per week

  • More frequent supplementation for young frogs

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Red-eyed tree frogs are:

  • Shy and easily stressed

  • Nocturnal and active at night

  • Gentle and calm when undisturbed

  • Best kept as display animals

Though stunning in appearance, they do not enjoy frequent handling.

Handling

Keep handling minimal:

  • Their skin is extremely absorbent

  • Wash hands before and after

  • Handle with wet, clean, chemical-free hands

  • Keep sessions short

Stress can cause them to darken in color or shut their eyes tightly.

Enrichment

They thrive with:

  • Dense live plants

  • Vertical climbing structures

  • Vines and branches

  • Mist schedules that mimic rainforest conditions

  • Occasional rearranged décor (in small amounts)

They flourish in naturalistic, bioactive environments.

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

Typically 5–10 years, though some live longer with excellent care.

Common Health Issues

  • Dehydration (from low humidity)

  • Skin infections from dirty enclosures or stagnant water

  • Nutritional deficiencies from lack of supplements

  • Parasites (wild-caught frogs especially)

  • Red leg syndrome (serious bacterial infection)

Signs of Illness

  • Lethargy

  • Staying low in the enclosure

  • Poor appetite

  • Redness on belly or limbs

  • Excessive soaking

  • Thin body condition

  • Stuck shed

  • Cloudy or sunken eyes

Vet Care

Seek an experienced amphibian veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Final Notes

Red-eyed tree frogs are among the most beautiful amphibians in the world, admired for their vivid colors and iconic appearance. While they require higher humidity and a lush, naturalistic enclosure, they are not difficult to keep with proper care. Given stable humidity, clean water, dense foliage, and minimal handling, they thrive and make stunning display animals that bring a slice of the rainforest into your home.