What is the scientific name of the False Tomato Frog?

The scientific name of the False Tomato Frog is Dyscophus guineti.

What are other common names for the False Tomato Frog?

The False Tomato Frog is also known as Sambava tomato frog.

Where are False Tomato Frogs native to?

False Tomato Frogs are native to Eastern Madagascar.

How big do False Tomato Frogs get?

Adult False Tomato Frogs typically reach 2-3 inches.

How long do False Tomato Frogs live?

False Tomato Frogs live about 8+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a False Tomato Frog need?

Recommended temperatures for a False Tomato Frog: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and No basking spot.

What humidity does a False Tomato Frog need?

False Tomato Frogs need 70-80% humidity.

Do False Tomato Frogs need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits False Tomato Frogs. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a False Tomato Frog need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a False Tomato Frog: Baby-Young: 24”x12”x12” (<1 year+); Adult: 36”x18”x12” (pair/trio adult size). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size. Larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors.

What do False Tomato Frogs eat?

False Tomato Frogs eat: Insectivores.

Are False Tomato Frogs good for beginners?

False Tomato Frogs are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience.

Are False Tomato Frogs nocturnal or diurnal?

False Tomato Frogs are nocturnal (active at night).

What is False Tomato Frog behavior like?

Common False Tomato Frog behavior traits: Look, don’t handle pet; Handling requires caution due to their toxic skin secretions (can cause irritation); Known for being shy/reclusive; Require live bugs to be moving for feeding; Need to be kept in groups; They will burrow during day; Both males & females exhibit bright orange/reddish coloration.

Do False Tomato Frogs lay eggs?

Yes. False Tomato Frogs are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a False Tomato Frog lay?

A False Tomato Frog clutch is typically about 1000 eggs.

How long do False Tomato Frog eggs take to hatch?

False Tomato Frog eggs typically incubate for about 36 hours before hatching.

How long does False Tomato Frog metamorphosis take?

False Tomato Frog metamorphosis typically takes about 45 days.

What is the best substrate for juvenile False Tomato Frogs?

Recommended substrates for juvenile False Tomato Frogs: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best substrate for adult False Tomato Frogs?

Recommended substrates for adult False Tomato Frogs: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a False Tomato Frog?

Recommended enclosures for False Tomato Frogs by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure.

What lighting products are best for a False Tomato Frog?

Recommended lighting products for False Tomato Frogs: Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12".

Is there a complete habitat bundle for False Tomato Frogs?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for False Tomato Frogs by age. Sub-adult: Subadult False Tomato Frog Bundle. Adult: Adult False Tomato Frog Bundle.

False Tomato Frog

Common Name(s)	False tomato frog Sambava tomato frog
Scientific Name	Dyscophus guineti
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during night) Look, don’t handle pet Handling requires caution due to their toxic skin secretions (can cause irritation) Known for being shy/reclusive Require live bugs to be moving for feeding Need to be kept in groups They will burrow during day Both males & females exhibit bright orange/reddish coloration
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Clutch size: ~1000 Incubation: ~36 hours Metamorphose: ~45 days
Lifespan	~8+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side No basking spot
Humidity	70-80%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	2-3 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 24”x12”x12” (<1 year+) Adult: 36”x18”x12” (pair/trio adult size) Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size. *larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors
Experience Level	Intermediate *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Insectivores

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult False Tomato Frogs

Adult False Tomato Frog Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult False Tomato Frogs

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult False Tomato Frogs

36" Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Default Title

Best Lighting Products for Adult False Tomato Frogs

Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12": LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit

Best Bundles for Subadult False Tomato Frogs

Subadult False Tomato Frog Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult False Tomato Frogs

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 8 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult False Tomato Frogs

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x18, 34 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Subadult False Tomato Frogs

Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12": LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit

False Tomato Frogs (Dyscophus guineti) are notable for their striking appearance and unique defensive mechanisms. These frogs exhibit bright orange to reddish coloration, which serves as a warning signal to potential predators about their toxicity. When threatened, they can inflate their bodies to appear larger and more intimidating. Additionally, they secrete a sticky, toxic substance from their skin that can deter predators. This secretion can cause irritation and discomfort to predators, particularly to the mucous membranes of mammals, making False Tomato Frogs a less appealing target. Their vivid coloration and effective defense strategies highlight the fascinating adaptations they have developed to survive in their natural habitat.

Another intriguing aspect of False Tomato Frogs is their reproductive behavior. During the breeding season, typically triggered by the onset of the rainy season in their native Madagascar, males produce distinctive calls to attract females. These vocalizations are an essential part of their mating ritual, ensuring that the frogs find each other in the dense rainforest environment. Once a female responds to a male's call, the pair engages in amplexus, a mating position where the male grasps the female from behind to fertilize her eggs externally. Females can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs in shallow water, which hatch into aquatic tadpoles within a few days. The tadpoles undergo metamorphosis over several weeks, transforming into juvenile frogs. This complex and fascinating breeding process reflects the intricate life cycle of False Tomato Frogs and their adaptation to their environment.

Native Range

Eastern Madagascar

Why ReptiChip?

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect false tomato frog bedding for your pet.

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Common False Tomato Frog ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the False Tomato Frog is Dyscophus guineti.
: The False Tomato Frog is also known as Sambava tomato frog.
: False Tomato Frogs are native to Eastern Madagascar.
: Adult False Tomato Frogs typically reach 2-3 inches.
: False Tomato Frogs live about 8+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a False Tomato Frog: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and No basking spot.
: False Tomato Frogs need 70-80% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits False Tomato Frogs. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a False Tomato Frog: Baby-Young: 24”x12”x12” (<1 year+); Adult: 36”x18”x12” (pair/trio adult size). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size. Larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors.
: False Tomato Frogs eat: Insectivores.
: False Tomato Frogs are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience.
: False Tomato Frogs are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common False Tomato Frog behavior traits: Look, don’t handle pet; Handling requires caution due to their toxic skin secretions (can cause irritation); Known for being shy/reclusive; Require live bugs to be moving for feeding; Need to be kept in groups; They will burrow during day; Both males & females exhibit bright orange/reddish coloration.
: Yes. False Tomato Frogs are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A False Tomato Frog clutch is typically about 1000 eggs.
: False Tomato Frog eggs typically incubate for about 36 hours before hatching.
: False Tomato Frog metamorphosis typically takes about 45 days.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile False Tomato Frogs: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult False Tomato Frogs: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult False Tomato Frogs: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for False Tomato Frogs by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure.
: Recommended lighting products for False Tomato Frogs: Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12".
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for False Tomato Frogs by age. Sub-adult: Subadult False Tomato Frog Bundle. Adult: Adult False Tomato Frog Bundle.