Natural Environment

There are four species of Bombina frogs: The oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis), from Korea and the northeastern China, the European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), from central Europe and Turkey, the yellow fire-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), found in an area from central Europe to the Carpathian Mountains, and the Asian giant fire-bellied toad (Bombina maxima), which ranges from the Himalayas into western China. All four species are members of the Discoglossidae family, and are found only in the old world. Sizes range up to 4.5 cm for the first three species and up to 7.5 for the Asian giant fire-bellied toad.

The oriental fire-bellied toad is the species most commonly offered by the pet trade and kept by hobbyists. However, all species of Bombinas are easily cared for, and can live up to 12 years in captivity.

Physical Characteristics

Bombinas have a typical frog shape with a flattened and stocky body. Females tend to be larger and more smooth-skinned than the males. All species of Bombinas have vividly colored ventral surfaces. In the Asian giant species, males are easily identified by the presence of a large nuptial pad on the first digit of each front foot. This pad is present throughout the year, and not just during the mating season, as is typical of some other species of frogs.

Handling

The skin of Bombinas contains substances that can be irritating and toxic to other animals, either by ingestion or through direct contact. Because of this, Bombinas should not be housed with other frogs or pets. Children and adults should be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly after touching a Bombina. As a warning, newly captured Bombinas will often expose their colorful underbelly (Unken reflex) by arching their backs and lifting up their legs when perceiving a threat. Frogs that have been kept in captivity for a longer period of time rarely demonstrate this behavior.

Housing

Bombina species are best kept at room temperature, approximately 18° to 24°C (64° to 75°F). Temperatures in excess of 54°C (80°F) can induce heat stress and should be avoided. No external heat source is necessary if the frogs are housed indoors. An ultraviolet B lighting source is beneficial and aids in calcium metabolism. Providing a photoperiod of 12 to 14 hours, it works well for most species. Frogs can be successfully housed in either very simple aquaria or be kept in more elaborate and naturalistic vivaria. Enclosures should always have a tight-fitting screen cover, as these frogs can escape through even a very small opening.