Scientific Name: Scaphiophryne gottlebei.
Common Names: Ornate Hopper, Rainbow Burrowing Frog, Red Rain Frog, Gottlebe's Narrow-mouthed Frog.
Distribution: South Central Madagascar.
Size: Males 2 - 3cm, females 3 - 4cm.
Sexing: The males of this species are smaller and more slender, they may also be slightly duller in colouration.
Colouration: The dorsum has a white background with red, yellow, green and black mottling. The ventral surface is a greyish colour.
Requirements: These Frogs are rather inactive individuals and require a fairly small terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for 3-4 adults. They require a fossorial type set-up with a deep substrate of sandy topsoil, and moss. Furnishings such as driftwood, cork bark, rock and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A small water bowl (no deeper than the frog's nostrils when at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. If kept in a warm household the tank will not require additional heating. A light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Frogs should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including mini-mealworms, small or chopped earthworm, waxworm and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Frogs should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of waxworms, regular mealworms, earthworms, moths, and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
