Caring for your Amazon Milk Frog

Amazon Milk Frog

(Trachycephalus resinifictrix)

Basic Information:
Amazon Milk Frogs—also called Mission Golden-Eyed Frogs—are large, striking tree frogs native to the humid rainforests of northern South America, especially Brazil and the Guianas. Adults reach 3–4 inches, making them one of the larger arboreal frog species in the hobby. They get their name from the sticky, milky secretion they produce when stressed, a natural defense mechanism. Amazon Milk Frogs are nocturnal, spending daylight hours perched in shaded, elevated spots and becoming active at night to hunt and explore. They are hardy, long-lived, and very popular for tropical display enclosures.

Lifespan:

Up to 8–10 years in captivity, occasionally longer.

Sexing:

• Sexing is subtle:
  • Males tend to be slightly smaller and may vocalize.
  • Females are generally larger and more robust.
  • No strong sexual dimorphism exists; visual sexing can be inconsistent.

Enclosure:

• Minimum for adults: 18” x 18” x 24” vertical terrarium

• Provide plenty of climbing spaces, branches, cork bark, canopy plants, and elevated perches.

Substrate:

• Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as:
  • Coconut fiber
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Tropical soil blends

• Provide a drainage layer (LECA or gravel) under mesh to maintain humidity without waterlogging.

Lighting & Temperature:

• Basking Spot: Not required for frogs
  • Ambient Temperature: 74–80°F
  • Cool Side: 70–72°F
  • UVB Lighting: Optional but beneficial. Use ExoTerra UVB 100 or ZooMed 5.0 T5, 10–12 hours daily. UVB improves activity, appetite, and overall health.

Humidity:

Maintain 60–80% humidity.
Mist 1–2 times daily and provide abundant live or artificial plants to help retain moisture. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold.

Food:

Amazon Milk Frogs are insectivores. Dust all prey with calcium and vitamin supplements as appropriate.

Offer:

• Fruit flies

• Springtails

• crickets

• Small isopods

• Mini mealworms (occasionally)

All feeder insects should be appropriately sized.

Water:

Provide a shallow, clean water dish large enough for soaking. Use only dechlorinated or spring water.

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Amazon Milk Frogs are visually stunning, hardy, and excellent for naturalistic or bioactive enclosures. Their calm demeanor and impressive size make them a favorite among amphibian enthusiasts looking for a vibrant, active display species.

Are amazon milk frogs sold at a local pet store Near Me?

If you're in Montgomery County, Maryland, stop by Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick, MD to check availability on Amazon Milk Frogs and get expert advice on creating the perfect rainforest habitat. Whether you're new to amphibians or building a full tropical vivarium, our team is here to guide you. There’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!