Amphibian · Tree frog
Mexican leaf frog care guide
Agalychnis dacnicolor
The mexican leaf frog is a intermediate-level tree frog from Pacific lowlands of western Mexico. Adults reach 8–10 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. A large, hardy leaf frog that tolerates drier air than most.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a mexican leaf frog cost in Canada?
Mexican leaf frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Pacific lowlands of western Mexico
- 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
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Mexican 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.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- 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: 24–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a mexican leaf frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm; tolerates brief handling.
Health watch: Obesity and skin 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 mexican leaf frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 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
Mexican leaf frog FAQ
Is the mexican leaf frog good for beginners?
The mexican leaf frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm; tolerates brief handling.
What size enclosure does a mexican 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 mexican leaf frog cost in Canada?
Typically $80–150 CAD to buy, about $480–840 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mexican leaf frog need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a mexican leaf frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths. 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.