Amphibian · Tree frog
Red-eyed tree frog care guide
Agalychnis callidryas
The red-eyed tree frog is a beginner-level tree frog from Southern Mexico to Colombia. Adults reach 5–7 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. Nocturnal. Good in small groups.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 24–28°C day, 21°C night
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a red-eyed tree frog cost in Canada?
Red-eyed tree frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southern Mexico to Colombia
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C day, 21°C night
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, moths
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Red-eyed tree frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 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: 24–28°C day, 21°C night. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red-eyed tree frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted crickets every 2–3 days; juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Best watched rather than handled; delicate skin and jumps quickly.
Health watch: Dehydration, bacterial infections and obesity in overfed adults.
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 red-eyed tree 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
Red-eyed tree frog FAQ
Is the red-eyed tree frog good for beginners?
Yes – the red-eyed tree frog is a good choice for beginners. Best watched rather than handled; delicate skin and jumps quickly.
What size enclosure does a red-eyed tree frog need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a red-eyed tree frog cost in Canada?
Typically $50–90 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 red-eyed tree frog need?
Temperature: 24–28°C day, 21°C night. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a red-eyed tree frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted crickets every 2–3 days; juveniles daily.
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.