Black-eyed leaf frog (Agalychnis moreletii)
Photo: Vladlen Henríquez / CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Tree frog

Black-eyed leaf frog care guide

Agalychnis moreletii

IntermediateCITES – buy captive-bred

The black-eyed leaf frog is a intermediate-level tree frog from Mexico to Honduras. Adults reach 6–8 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. Prefers slightly cooler nights than the red-eyed tree frog.

  • Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
  • Temp 20–25°C
  • Humidity 70–90%

How much does a black-eyed leaf frog cost in Canada?

Animal$60–120Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$440–760Enclosure $190–370 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $200
Yearly upkeep$150–300Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$650–1180All prices CAD, estimates

Black-eyed leaf frog quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
6–8 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Mexico to Honduras
Minimum enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
Housing
Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
20–25°C
Humidity
70–90%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths
Bioactive style
Tropical arboreal

Black-eyed leaf frog enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm

Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.

Temperature: 20–25°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a black-eyed leaf frog eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Hands-off display frog.

Health watch: Overheating and bacterial infections.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
  • Check temperatures at perch height.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
  • Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
  • Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.
  • Check branches and mounts are still secure.
  • Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.

Recommended for a black-eyed leaf frog bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).

Black-eyed leaf frog FAQ

Is the black-eyed leaf frog good for beginners?

The black-eyed leaf frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off display frog.

What size enclosure does a black-eyed leaf frog need?

At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a black-eyed leaf frog cost in Canada?

Typically $60–120 CAD to buy, about $440–760 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a black-eyed leaf frog need?

Temperature: 20–25°C. Humidity: 70–90%.

What does a black-eyed leaf frog eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

Similar species

Browse all 1,000 species →

This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.