2 kinds · tap one for a closer look
Active and social.
This one is best kept on its own, or with its own kind.
Active and social.
Good to know: Semi-aquatic: needs a paludarium with half land and half water.
Live crickets, worms.
Tap a food to see what it is.
Breeding males develop nuptial pads on the first and second fingers and call; females are generally larger.
Common problems. Tap one to see the signs. This is a guide, not a diagnosis.
Egg-layer (substrate spawner) · Moderate
Breeds May to mid-August in still or slow water. In captivity, breeding follows a cool winter period with simulated rain.
Buy a group of 4-6. Males call.
A 80 L tank with land and water at 18-24 C.
A cool winter then warm.
A clutch holds 38-257 eggs laid in small batches of 3-45; eggs hatch after 3-10 days.
Tadpoles eat fine food; froglets need small insects.
A small toad with a green-to-grey, dark-spotted back and a bright warning-coloured belly. Its skin toxin is harmful in the eyes, mouth or cuts, so wash hands after handling.
Boulenger described the Oriental fire-bellied toad in 1890, originally in another genus. It has long been one of the most common amphibians in the pet trade because it is hardy, active by day and largely aquatic. It is also widely used in laboratory studies.
First described by George A. Boulenger in 1890.
12 facts checked with sources
Amphibian (semi-aquatic toad), not a fish. Note: blue-backed animals sold as a 'blue' form are not described in AmphibiaWeb; the dorsum is described as brown-grey to green.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalisNew value.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalisSnout-vent length range 3.5-8 cm; legacy 5 cm is within it and typical. Upper figure 8 cm is the maximum.
Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalisNo source gives a minimum keeping group.
Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalisMaximum longevity: about 20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity. Legacy 10-15 is a conservative typical figure, but sources give longer maxima.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalis · Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalisADW contradicts legacy 'peaceful/social' for captive animals. Also toxic skin: unsafe with fish or other amphibians that might eat them.
Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalisSemi-aquatic; no swimming-level statement.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalisNew value. AmphibiaWeb lists northeastern China, Korea, southern Japan and the Russian Far East. IUCN Least Concern.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalisCalling verified; 'thicker forearms' not found; nuptial pads and larger females added.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalis · Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalisLegacy figures are close but slightly off.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalis · Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalisBelly colour not quoted from source but is the basis of the common name.
AmphibiaWeb: Bombina orientalis · Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan): Bombina orientalis