Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Overview

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is a striking nocturnal rainforest frog famous for its brilliant red eyes, neon-green body, orange feet, and blue-and-yellow flanks. The vivid colours are thought to startle predators when the sleeping frog suddenly opens its eyes (deimatic display). It is a beautiful display animal but a delicate, hands-off species best suited to keepers who enjoy watching rather than handling.

Natural History

Native to the humid lowland rainforests of Central America, from southern Mexico through Costa Rica and Panama. It is arboreal and nocturnal, spending the day asleep on the undersides of leaves with its colours tucked away, and active at night in the canopy near water. Females lay eggs on leaves overhanging pools, into which the tadpoles drop after hatching.

Appearance

Adult females reach 6-7.5 cm; males are smaller at 5-6 cm. The body is vivid leaf-green with white underside, large red eyes with vertical pupils, blue-and-yellow barred flanks, and orange toes with sticky pads.

Temperament & Handling

Calm but delicate display animal. This is a look-but-rarely-touch species - the permeable skin readily absorbs oils, lotions, and salts from human hands. Handle only when necessary, with clean wet hands and brief sessions, and otherwise enjoy them as a nocturnal observation pet.

Enclosure

Minimum: 45 x 45 x 60 cm tall vertical vivarium for 1-2 adults; larger for groups.

Provide:

• Sturdy branches, cork bark, and vines for climbing.
• Broad-leaved live or artificial plants for daytime resting and hiding.
• A shallow, easily cleaned water area.
• Moisture-retaining substrate such as coconut fibre or a bioactive mix.
• A secure, ventilated lid.

Heating, Lighting, Humidity

• Day: 24-28°C.
• Night: 20-24°C (a natural night drop is fine).
• Humidity: 60-80%, raised by daily misting.
• Lighting: a gentle day/night cycle; low-level UVB is beneficial. Avoid intense heat or drying lamps.

Diet

Insectivore.

• Crickets (staple).
• Dubia roaches.
• Other appropriately sized insects such as flies and hornworms.

Dust feeders with calcium and a multivitamin. Adults eat every 2-3 days; juveniles eat more often. Feed at night when the frog is active.

Avoid: oversized prey, wild-caught insects (pesticide risk), and fatty feeders like waxworms as a staple.

Health & Lifespan

5-8 years.

Common concerns:

• Chytrid fungus.
• Metabolic bone disease from inadequate calcium or UVB.
• Dehydration from low humidity.
• Bacterial and fungal skin infections from poor hygiene.
• Chemical poisoning - very sensitive to chlorine and chloramine; always use dechlorinated water.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Spectacular colours and red eyes.
• Fascinating nocturnal behaviour.
• Quiet display animal.
• Manageable adult size.

Cons:

• Nocturnal, so often hidden by day.
• Delicate skin; not for handling.
• Requires steady warmth and high humidity.
• Sensitive to water and air quality.

Best Suited For

• Display-focused keepers.
• Those who enjoy night-active animals.
• Older children and adults (for observation).

Not suited for keepers wanting a frog to handle, very dry homes without humidity control, or households expecting daytime activity.