CUBAN TREE FROG  

• Cuban tree frogs are an invasive species in Florida, originally introduced accidentally by hitchhiking aboard boats carrying produce.
• Cuban tree frogs are the largest tree frog found in North America. Females can grow to almost 6 inches (15 cm) in length, while males generally stay smaller.
• Cuban tree frogs have the ability to change color depending on their surroundings. Most can change from a solid bright white to a dark chocolate brown. Some frogs can even turn dark green.
• They are nocturnal animals and are rarely active during the day unless there is food around or they are disturbed.

Diet

Cuban tree frogs are not picky eaters; they will eat just about anything that moves which they can fit in their mouth. Crickets are readily available and can make up a majority of their diet. Mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, earth worms, or house flies may be offered every few feedings rather than crickets. Adult Cuban tree frogs should be fed two to five food items every two to three days, dusted with a high quality reptile vitamin supplement every other feeding. Juvenile frogs should be fed every day with each feeding dusted with a reptile supplement.

Keep a dish of fresh, clean water in the cage at all times. Frogs will sit in their water dish and absorb water through their skin, so the water should always be clean. It’s a good idea to use a water conditioner for reptiles to treat the water for your frog.

Housing  

Tree frogs are arboreal, or tree-dwelling, needing taller habitats such as a 15 or 20 gallon “tall” aquarium with a screen top for ventilation. Plant the tank with various plants, vines and branches to climb on. These large frogs are notorious for cannibalism. If there are other species of frogs in the tank, or even specimens of the same species, Cuban tree frogs will eat them if hungry enough.

Cuban tree frogs are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures which is one reason why they make good captives. The ideal temperature during the day will range from 78°F to 88°F. The night time temperature can drop to 65°F without harm. The humidity can remain high (60-90%) during most of the year because Cuban tree frogs are native to tropical climates. A daily misting or two will keep the humidity high enough.

Handling

The Cuban tree frog will tolerate being held for short periods of time. Don’t use soap prior to handling your tree frog, as soap can be harmful to its skin. Cuban tree frogs secrete a toxin through their skin that can irritate your skin if not washed off. Always be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap after handling.

Health

Red leg is a common disease in frogs caused by bad husbandry. It causes small ulcers, hemorrhages, and reddening of the skin around the belly and underside of the thighs. Metabolic Bone Disease is also common, but easily prevented by dusting the food with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement at least three times a week.