🐸 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.

Enclosure

  • Size

    • 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

    • 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 (clay balls or pebbles) with a mesh barrier to prevent waterlogging.

  • Décor

    • 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.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Temperature

    • Daytime ambient: 75–82°F

    • Warm area: ~84°F

    • Night: 68–74°F

    • Avoid prolonged temps above 85°F.

  • Lighting

    • UVB isn’t absolutely necessary however UBV lighting can still be beneficial.

    • Low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) is recommended but not required - replace bulb every 6 - 12 months according to manufacture

    • LED or jungle-style lighting works well

  • 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.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity - 70 - 90%

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • 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

    • 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.

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores

  • 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

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 - kept to a MINIMUM

    • 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

    • 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.

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 5–10 years+ with proper 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

  • 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:

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.