Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interesting in getting one of these guys in the future. I'm just not sure what kind of habitat to have and where exactly to purchase them. Any info would be appretiated .. thanks.
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2 firebelly toads (Ernie and Oscar)
1 american green tree frog (Booger)
1 four line/golden tree frog (Nugget)

The habitat depends totally on the species in question. You can occasionally get terrestrial species at www.gherp.com . The currently available aquatic species are T. natans coming out of Colombia with the fish shipements and are technically illegal as Colombia prohibits the export of any vertebrates other than tropical fish, common "red tail" boas, and green iguanas.

Ed

Hi there:

Typhlonectes natans is an excellent species. I have also kept a Typhlonectes compressicauda that was accidently imported. I currently own 1 Typhlonectes natans and 2 Dermophis occidentalis. The terrestrial species should be kept in a 10-20 gallon vivarium, depending on which species you keep. Use the drainage, and place much vivarium planting mix or potting soil without fertilizers atop this. Sprinkle this with leaf litter, and mist daily. Provide a shallow water dish. They do not like light. Maintain a temperature 0f 75-80 degrees farenheit, using a heater if neccesary. Aquatic species can be kept in the same size tank, and require a substrate of gravel, sand or spagum. Also provide floating plants such as hybiscus and pothos to sheild out the light. Give them lots of hiding places and adequate filtration. Foods include termites, ant larvae, small crickets, waxworms, baby roaches or beefheart. I hope this helps.

DAVE

What aquatic species can be kept in the same size tank? Surely not a T. natans. My largest is 19 inches now.

Katrina

Hi there:

Sure, a 35-40 gallon is nice for a specimen that size, but most average about eight inches or so in length. They are also usually curled away in hides, so a single specimen or pair could be mantained in that sized tank. I have only seen caecilians as large as yours in zoos. That's wonderful that yours is that large. You must be taking excellent care of it. I would love to see some pictures. While most people don't, I see every Typhlonectes as having its own form or facial expression.

DAVE

I have four that range in size from roughly 14" to 19". They all started out at about 8". I've had them 4-6 years. They started on a diet of freeze-dried tubifex worms and earthworms, and worked up to wax worms, small frozen silversides, cooked chopped shrimp, and defrosted pinkie mice.

Katrina

That's really cool! Good luck with them. Maybe they may breed.

DAVE

Well, after six years I still have nothing in the breeding departmant (for the eels, anyway) other than one sighting of breeding about four years ago or so. And, I'm turning them over to someone this week. We're moving, and I just don't have room any more for the 55 gallon tank. Plus, with four of them that big, they really need to be divided or go into a larger tank.

Katrina

Hi there:

That's grest! I am sorry that you have to part with them, but I hope they enjoy their new home!

DAVE