Amphibian · Tree frog
Painted reed frog care guide
Hyperolius marmoratus
The painted reed frog is a intermediate-level tree frog from Southeastern Africa. Adults reach 2.5–3.5 cm and live 3–5 years in captivity. Small and arboreal. Groups.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a painted reed frog cost in Canada?
Painted reed frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 2.5–3.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southeastern Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies (hydei), small crickets
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Painted reed frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% 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: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a painted reed frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies (hydei), small crickets. Feed dusted small insects every 1–2 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and jumpy; hands-off.
Health watch: Dehydration and stress.
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 painted reed frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 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
Painted reed frog FAQ
Is the painted reed frog good for beginners?
The painted reed frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Tiny and jumpy; hands-off.
What size enclosure does a painted reed frog need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a painted reed frog cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $310–550 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a painted reed frog need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a painted reed frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies (hydei), small crickets. Feed dusted small insects every 1–2 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.