Tomato Frog
Dyscophus antongilii
Quick answer
The tomato frog is a round, brightly colored frog found only in Madagascar, named for the deep red-orange skin of the females. When threatened it puffs up and can ooze a sticky, irritating secretion that gums up a predator's mouth. Tomato frogs are burrowing ambush hunters that can live around 6 to 8 years, and longer in captivity.
Tomato Frog facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Dyscophus antongilii |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (insects, worms, small invertebrates) |
| Habitat | Rainforest floor, swamps, and ditches |
| Lifespan | 6–8 years, longer in captivity |
| Length | 6–10 cm (2.4–4 in); females larger |
| Weight | Around 40–230 g (1.4–8 oz) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Microhylidae |
| Genus | Dyscophus |
Behavior and defense
Tomato frogs are mostly nocturnal and spend the day partly buried in soil or leaf litter, emerging at night to feed. Their bright color warns predators that they are unpleasant to eat. If grabbed, a tomato frog puffs itself up to look larger and secretes a thick, sticky substance from its skin that can glue up a predator's mouth and cause irritation.
Diet and feeding
These frogs are sit-and-wait carnivores that eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They ambush prey that wanders close, lunging forward and swallowing it whole. In captivity they readily take crickets, worms, and other feeder insects.
Habitat and range
The tomato frog is endemic to northeastern Madagascar, where it lives on the rainforest floor and in swamps, ditches, and slow waters, often near human settlements. It favors damp, shaded ground where it can burrow. After heavy rains, the frogs gather in shallow pools to breed.
Conservation
Once a major conservation concern, the tomato frog is now listed as Least Concern following improved population data, though it has a limited range. Habitat loss, drainage of wetlands, and past collection for the pet trade remain pressures. Most tomato frogs in the pet trade today are captive-bred, easing demand on wild populations.
Frequently asked questions about the Tomato Frog
Why is it called a tomato frog?
It is named for its round shape and the bright red-orange color of the females, which makes them look strikingly like a ripe tomato. Males are usually smaller and a more muted yellow-orange.
Are tomato frogs poisonous?
They are not deadly, but when threatened they secrete a thick, sticky substance from their skin that can gum up a predator's mouth and irritate the eyes and skin, so they should be handled with care.
What do tomato frogs eat?
Tomato frogs are carnivores that ambush insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, swallowing prey whole as it wanders within reach.
Where do tomato frogs live?
They are found only in northeastern Madagascar, living on the rainforest floor and in swamps, ditches, and slow waters, often close to human settlements.
How long do tomato frogs live?
In the wild tomato frogs generally live around 6 to 8 years, and with good care in captivity they can live considerably longer.
Are tomato frogs good pets?
They are popular pets because of their bold color and hardy nature, but they need a humid enclosure with substrate for burrowing and should be handled sparingly due to their skin secretions.
