Red-legged kassina (Phlyctimantis maculatus)
Photo: The original uploader was Dawson at English Wikipedia. / CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Terrestrial frog

Red-legged kassina care guide

Phlyctimantis maculatus

Beginner

The red-legged kassina is a beginner-level terrestrial frog from East and southeastern Africa. Adults reach 5–7 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Walks and climbs rather than hops; give hides, low branches and a shallow water dish.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 22–27°C
  • Humidity 60–80%

How much does a red-legged kassina cost in Canada?

Animal$40–80Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$270–500Enclosure $120–230 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $90
Yearly upkeep$100–200Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$410–780All prices CAD, estimates

Red-legged kassina quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
5–7 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
East and southeastern Africa
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 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 – crickets, roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Tropical forest floor

Red-legged kassina enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical forest floor bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm

Deep leaf litter (3–5 cm) matters more here than anything else: it’s where microfauna breed and frogs forage.

Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a red-legged kassina eat?

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

Handling, temperament & health

Hands-off; skin secretions can irritate.

Health watch: Skin infections and obesity.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Mist 1–3 times to keep humidity in range; glass should clear partly between mistings.
  • Check temperature – most tropical species are stressed above 27–28°C.

Weekly

  • Feed and remove uneaten food.
  • Check the drainage layer through the glass and remove water before it reaches the soil.
  • Prune plants that block the front glass.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter as it breaks down.
  • Check springtail and isopod numbers; reseed from a culture if they look sparse.
  • Clean misting nozzles and wipe light covers.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top few centimetres of soil in open areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on the manufacturer’s schedule.

Recommended for a red-legged kassina bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).

Red-legged kassina FAQ

Is the red-legged kassina good for beginners?

Yes – the red-legged kassina is a good choice for beginners. Hands-off; skin secretions can irritate.

What size enclosure does a red-legged kassina need?

At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 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 red-legged kassina cost in Canada?

Typically $40–80 CAD to buy, about $270–500 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a red-legged kassina need?

Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–80%.

What does a red-legged kassina eat?

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

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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.