Cuban Tree Frog Care Sheet
Introduction
The Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septempunctatus) is a large, adaptable species native to the Caribbean, particularly Cuba, the Bahamas, and parts of Florida. Known for its ability to thrive in both natural and captive environments, this amphibian is recognized for its bright green or brown skin, which can also feature dark spots or patterns. While generally a hardy species, Cuban Tree Frogs are best suited for experienced amphibian keepers due to their sensitive care requirements and their occasional inclination to become vocal, especially at night. They are also known for their large size, with some reaching up to 5 inches in length.
Care sheets are only to be taken as guidelines. Just as with all animals, each frog will have unique traits and personalities special to the individual animal that may require adaptation in their husbandry and care. The following care sheet will address basic requirements but as the primary caretaker of your pet, we encourage you to take notice of your pet's behaviours and preferences and make adjustments as they grow with you and your family. Please also keep in mind that unlike mammals, most reptiles change their behaviour according to seasonal weather changes even if you keep them indoors all year round. Most reptiles also change their behaviour according to their life stages and should not be expected to behave the same their whole life.
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Cheat Sheet
Cuban Tree Frog
| Common name | Cuban Tree Frog |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Osteopilus septempunctatus |
| Natural location | Cuba, The Bahamas, surrounding Caribbean countries |
| Habitat (wild) | Subtropical. Warm and humid |
| Captive enclosure | 12x12x18" for juveniles, 18x18x24"+ for adults |
| Substrate | Bioactive Blends, Cypress Mulch, Loose Bark, Coco Husk, Soil Blends |
| Temperature tolerance | Nighttime: 68-72°F (20-22°C), Cooler: 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| Basking temperature | 80-85°F (27-29°C) |
| UVB lighting | Optional. Not required but can be beneficial in small amounts |
| Humidity | Approx. 60-80% |
| Average adult size | 3.5-5" |
| Captive lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Fun fact | The largest tree frog species in North America |
Housing
Enclosure: Cuban Tree Frogs are arboreal (tree-dwelling), it is best to provide them ample vertical climbing space. Juveniles can be raised in a 12x12x18" terrarium while an 18x18x24" is recommended for adult frogs, but larger enclosures are always beneficial. The enclosure should have a secure mesh top for ventilation while retaining humidity. A live bioactive terrarium is best for this species but you can also use artificial plants, branches, cork bark, and vines to create climbing opportunities and a naturalistic environment. These frogs love to perch on strong steady leaves.
Substrate: A bioactive substrate mixture is best for this species such as the ZM Tropical Bioblend or you can make your own using a mixture of moisture retaining substrates such as cypress mulch, peat moss, repti soil, moss, carbon, gravel, coconut fibre, and loose leaves. We highly advise against using only coconut fibre even though this is commonly offered in commercial ready starter kits.
Heating & Temperature: Cuban Tree Frogs do best in moderately heated terrariums. They thrive at temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day, with a slight drop to 68-75°F (20-24°C) at night. A low-wattage heat lamp, ceramic heat emitter, or radiant heat can help maintain the proper temperature. Ensure that a thermometer is used to monitor temperature accurately.
Decor: Cuban Tree Frogs are arboreal and require plenty of climbing opportunities within their enclosure. Adding branches, vines, cork bark, and plants (real or artificial) will give the frogs places to climb, hide, and explore. Providing multiple hiding spots, such as cork bark, hollow logs, and dense foliage, helps frogs feel secure. Vertical climbing branches and live or artificial plants mimic their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviours.
Humidity: Humidity levels should be maintained between 60-80%. Regular misting with water will help achieve this, but avoid making the enclosure too damp, as excessive moisture can lead to the spread of bacteria. A hygrometer should be used to monitor humidity levels as humidity levels are crucial to the health of this species.
Diet
Feeding: Cuban Tree Frogs are insectivores, with a diet consisting mainly of crickets, roaches, mealworms, and occasional waxworms, hornworms, or nightcrawlers. We find that they are most attracted to feed that move a lot in front of them. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2-3 days.
Supplementation: Offer lightly dusted crickets once per week with calcium or multi vitamin. Be careful not to over supplement with vitamin D3.
Water: All tree frogs absorb water through their skin. For this reason, they do best by taking water through misting directly on them and around their environments. A shallow water dish with dechlorinated water should also be available as frogs will sometimes dip parts of their bodies into the water to absorb it when they need to. The dish should be cleaned and refilled daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Health & Maintenance
Hygiene: It is absolutely crucial to keep amphibian terrariums clean as they are very sensitive creatures. Routinely clean your enclosure to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Spot clean daily by removing waste and uneaten food. A deeper clean of the enclosure should be done every few weeks, ensuring that any substrate, decorations, and water dishes are properly sanitized. You can minimize the cleaning needed by creating a live bioactive habitat which will heavily aid in natural breakdowns of waste that gets cycled through the presence of live plants and beneficial lifeforms in the soil. If done correctly, substrate changes are not necessary for many years at a time. If not using a bioactive habitat, then we recommend a full substrate change at least once per season, 4 times a year. Wood and plant décor can be washed monthly with hot water and dish soap and put back into place. Regularly check for signs of mold in humid enclosures.
Handling: Cuban Tree Frogs are generally not a hands on pet and should only be handled when necessary. Their skin is delicate and absorbs substances easily, so hands should always be washed and dampened before handling to prevent irritation. They are also very slippery and have strong legs able to propel themselves quite far very quickly. Losing control is a common problem and they are best left untouched. Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Behavioural observation: Cuban Tree Frogs are nocturnal, active at night when temperatures drop and humidity rises. During the day, they tend to rest quietly in hiding spots or high up in the enclosure. At night, they are more active and will climb and explore, often calling loudly to attract mates. These frogs are also known for their vocalizations, which can be quite loud and persistent, especially in the breeding season. They are also well known for their voracious appetites and are quite gluttonous. They may also hibernate or become less active during the winter months or if the temperature or humidity falls outside of their optimal range. They are generally gentle but may be skittish and prone to jumping if they feel threatened.
Quarantine: Quarantine any new additions to your reptile collection to prevent the spread of diseases.
Common Questions
How big do Cuban tree frogs get?
3.5 to 5 inches, which makes them the largest tree frog in North America. That size is part of why they need an 18x18x24 inch enclosure as adults rather than a small tank.
Are Cuban tree frogs loud?
They can be. Males call loudly and persistently at night, especially in breeding season. If the enclosure is anywhere near a bedroom, that is worth knowing before you buy.
Are Cuban tree frogs good for beginners?
This sheet puts them with experienced amphibian keepers. They are hardy in the sense of being adaptable, but the care requirements are sensitive and the noise catches people out.
Can you handle a Cuban tree frog?
Only when you have to. The skin absorbs whatever is on your hands, and they are slippery with powerful legs that launch them a long way fast. Losing hold of one is the usual outcome.
Do Cuban tree frogs need a water bowl?
Yes, but not to drink from in the usual sense. Tree frogs take water through the skin, so misting is the main route. Keep a shallow dish of dechlorinated water for soaking, cleaned and refilled daily.
Why has my Cuban tree frog gone quiet and still?
They slow down over the winter months, and also when temperature or humidity drifts outside their range. Check the thermometer and hygrometer first before assuming anything is wrong.
All Reptiles, all the time.
Frogs and toads in stock now
We carry the bioactive substrates, cork bark, vines, misting systems, hygrometers and ceramic heat emitters covered in this guide at 1911 Kennedy Rd. Unit 99 in Toronto. Staff can walk you through a full setup in person.
