How Big Do Tomato Frogs Get? Here’s Clarity!

Besides knowing that they have a unique red color, you need to know how big Tomato Frogs get if you plan to keep one as a pet.

The size of your pet frog will determine their enclosure, how much they need to be fed, and how easy it is to transport and handle them.

In this article, I give you all the deets and share some interesting facts about Tomato Frogs that I’m sure you didn’t know!

How Big Do Tomato Frogs Get?

A Tomato Frog’s size can be influenced by its enclosure and diet. In the wild, the same is true. If they live in a healthy environment, they’ll be healthy too, and healthy pets develop and grow as they should.

Female Tomato Frogs are larger than males, and they can reach a length of 4 inches and weigh 8 ounces. Males are typically between 2 and 3 inches long and only weigh 1.5 ounces on average.  

Because they’re so small, Tomato Frogs are meant to be a show amphibian rather than a pet you’ll regularly handle. Only choose this amphibian as a pet if you’re looking for a companion who prefers to be left alone. 

The Size Of A Baby Tomato Frog

When you purchase a baby Tomato Frog, they’ll typically be between 1 and 1.5 inches from snout to vent. 

If you keep them on a healthy diet, they can grow quickly and reach their full-grown size within a year. Females take longer to reach maturity than males, and you should wait a minimum of two years before measuring their final size. 

How Long Do Tomato Frogs Live?

The average lifespan of a Tomato Frog is 6 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 10! If you want to purchase one, be ready for a long-time commitment. 

 Why do tomato frogs puff up

Factors That Influence The Size Of A Tomato Frog

You need to create a healthy environment for your Tomato Frog if you want them to thrive. When setting up their enclosure, try to mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. The environment your Tomato Frog lives in and the food you serve them have a big influence on their general well-being, directly influencing how well they develop and grow. 

Environment

Enclosure Size

Tomato Frogs need an enclosure that’s a minimum size of 20 gallons. They don’t move around a lot but still need some space to climb and explore. 

Enclosure Temperature

An enclosure temperature between 65°F and 80°F will do for your Tomato Frog. Temperatures lower or higher than this will negatively impact their health and can even cause their death. If your Tomato Frog is too hot or cold, their bodies won’t function properly, and they may even struggle to eat, which can lead to underdevelopment.

Enclosure Substrate

You’ll need a quality substrate in your Tomato Frog enclosure if you want them to live comfortably. This amphibian is nocturnal and prefers to burrow during the daytime. The substrate you choose should be at least 3 inches deep. 

Daily Diet

Unlike many other pets kept in enclosures, Tomato Frogs prefer their food alive, and I’ll go so far to say they will only eat it this way! Luckily, there’s a range of food you can serve your Tomato Frog, so you can choose whatever you’re more comfortable feeding them live. 

Tomato Frogs like to snack on Fly Maggots, Mealworms, Waxworms, Reptiworms, and Phoenix Worms. If you want them to develop into healthy, matured frogs, staples that you must include in their diet include crickets and nightcrawlers. 

Fascinating Facts About Tomato Frogs

Tomato Frogs were named for their bright color and ability to puff up, making them look like a tomato. They’re one of the most popular amphibians kept as pets, so here are a few facts about them that you may not know!

  • Tomato Frogs are native to Madagascar.
  • Tomato Frogs are easy to care for.
  • Tomato Frogs aren’t really red – young frogs have a yellow-brown tinge, adult females are red-orange and adult males are yellow-orange.
  • Tomato Frogs like to live alone, but if you pair them, they can only be with other, similar-sized Tomato Frogs.
  • When handling your Tomato Frog, it’s best to do so with gloves. Their skin is porous, which means that they absorb every chemical, oil, or dirt fleck on your skin. 

In Summary

Once your enclosure is properly set up, caring for a Tomato Frog is a breeze. They’re quiet and easy to look after, making them an excellent beginner’s frog. 

The most important thing to remember about caring for your Tomato Frog is that you should mimic their wild-life lifestyle the best you can. Their enclosure and diet play a significant role in how well they develop and grow, making it critical to nail these points!

I hope this article answered your question and gave you some helpful information about this beautiful and unique amphibian. If you have any more questions, please drop them in the comments for me to answer!


How big of a tank does a Tomato Frog need?

Depending on your Tomato Frog's size, you need to place them in a tank at least 20 gallons big. If you want them to have enough room to explore, climb, and burrow, a 30-gallon tank is more suitable. With this pet, bigger is always better!

Why do Tomato Frogs puff up?

Tomato Frogs puff themselves up when they feel threatened. This defense mechanism makes them appear bigger and releases a thick numbing substance onto their predators.

What is a Tomato Frog's Size?

The average female Tomato Frog is 3.5 to 4 inches long and weighs about 6 - 8 ounces. Males are smaller and average a length of 2 - 3 inches and a weight of 1 - 1.5 ounces.

How much should I feed a baby Tomato Frog?

When they're still babies, Tomato Frogs should eat every 24 hours. Typically, a meal consisting of 3 to 4 small crickets will do.