Amphibian · Tree frog
Giant monkey frog care guide
Phyllomedusa bicolor
The giant monkey frog is a advanced-level tree frog from Amazon basin of South America. Adults reach 9–12 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. A large monkey frog: tall enclosure, sturdy branches and good ventilation.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 75 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a giant monkey frog cost in Canada?
Giant monkey frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 9–12 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Amazon basin of South America
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 75 cm (24 × 18 × 30 in, ≈ 54 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, hornworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Giant monkey frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 75 cm (24 × 18 × 30 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a giant monkey frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, hornworms. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Slow and calm, but its potent skin secretions mean minimal handling.
Health watch: Skin and respiratory infections in stuffy enclosures.
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 giant monkey frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 75 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Giant monkey frog FAQ
Is the giant monkey frog good for beginners?
The giant monkey frog is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Slow and calm, but its potent skin secretions mean minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a giant monkey frog need?
At least 60 × 45 × 75 cm (about 24 × 18 × 30 inches, roughly 54 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a giant monkey frog cost in Canada?
Typically $150–300 CAD to buy, about $620–1050 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant monkey frog need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a giant monkey frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, hornworms. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Similar 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.