Amphibian · Tree frog
Tiger-legged monkey frog care guide
Pithecopus hypochondrialis
The tiger-legged monkey frog is a intermediate-level tree frog from Northern and central South America. Adults reach 3.5–4.5 cm and live 6–10 years in captivity. Warmth-loving tree frog. Strong ventilation.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 30°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a tiger-legged monkey frog cost in Canada?
Tiger-legged monkey frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 3.5–4.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Northern and central South America
- 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
- Basking 30°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, waxworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Tiger-legged monkey 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: Basking 30°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a tiger-legged monkey frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, waxworms. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Slow walker; tolerates brief handling but best left alone.
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 tiger-legged monkey 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
Tiger-legged monkey frog FAQ
Is the tiger-legged monkey frog good for beginners?
The tiger-legged monkey frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Slow walker; tolerates brief handling but best left alone.
What size enclosure does a tiger-legged monkey 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 tiger-legged monkey frog cost in Canada?
Typically $60–110 CAD to buy, about $480–840 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a tiger-legged monkey frog need?
Temperature: Basking 30°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a tiger-legged monkey frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, waxworms. 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.