Introduction
Reed frogs are small, semi-arboreal frogs from southern Africa, including Madagascar. The reed frogs from Madagascar tend to be more strikingly patterned and colored, and more difficult to acquire in the hobby.
Family & Scientific Name
Hyperoliidae; Heterixalus alboguttatus.
Range & Origin
Madagascar, although they have many close relatives on continental Africa. Starry Night reed frogs from Madagascar are more of a forest species.
Adult Size
Adult Starry Night reed frogs can reach about 1.25 inches, with females being larger than males.
Life Span
Captive life span of Starry Night reed frogs is unknown, but suspected to be in the 2-5 year range, based on experience with similar species.
Enclosure
Since Starry Night reed frogs are small animals, housing them is relatively simple. A 10 gallon or 12x12x18 Exo Terra Glass Terrarium with a partial screen top can easily house 4 adult Starry Night reed frogs.
Substrate
Long Fiber Sphagnum Moss, coco fiber or coco husk, or ABG mix works well as a substrate for Starry Night reed frogs.
Temperature
Starry Night reed frogs are not very picky about temperature, and will do well with an ambient temperature of 70-80F. A warmer spot of 85-90F is appreciated and often utilized. Starry Night reed frogs should be misted 1-2 times a day, to keep the humidity between 50-80%. Both temperature and humidity should be monitored with a digital gauge.
Social Structure
Starry Night reed frogs do best in groups, and will not behave aggressively towards cage mates, as long as there is plenty of food and surface area for them to utilize.
Diet
Starry Night reed frogs are insectivores, and will consume numerous small feeder insects. Young Starry Night reed frogs will relish hydei fruit flies and 1/8 inch crickets. Older Starry Night reed frogs will consume 1/4 inch crickets with gusto. All feeder insects should be dusted with the proper vitamin/mineral supplement.
Cleaning
Starry Night reed frogs make excellent specimens for a naturalistic vivarium with live plants. If not housed that way, they must be cleaned on a regular basis. Water bowls should be cleaned daily and scrubbed out with hot water. Change thesubstrate at least once a month, and clean the enclosure and decor with a 5% bleach solution.
Handling
Starry Night reed frogs are small and delicate, and should not be handled regularly, except when necessary to clean their habitat.
Conclusion
Starry Night reed frogs are growing in popularity and availability, mainly due to the breeding efforts of private hobbyists. Josh's Frogs is proud to breed both Starry Night reed frogs for the pet trade. We take pride in only offering healthy, captive bred animals – many of which are bred by us.
Frogs for sale are CBB Froglets.
Frogs are not sexable unless otherwise specified.
