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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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Necker's Solomon frog
Cornufer neckeri
Necker's Solomon frog is an endemic amphibian of the Solomon Islands archipelago, closely associated with pristine forest streams and damp leaf litter.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Ceratobatrachidae
Subfamily:Ceratobatrachinae
Genus:Cornufer
Species:Cornufer neckeri
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 90 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
22 - 24 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Cornufer neckeri is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago, distributed across islands including Bougainville, Choiseul, Santa Isabel, and Guadalcanal. It inhabits wet tropical rainforests, showing a strong preference for riparian zones, rocky streams, and damp ravines. It is frequently found on wet rocks or low-hanging vegetation near fast-flowing water.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Ceratobatrachidae, genus Cornufer, this species exhibits direct development. Eggs are deposited in damp terrestrial sites and hatch directly into miniature froglets. Genetic studies show subtle morphological and call variations between isolated island populations, reflecting geographic speciation.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal and semi-aquatic or stream-dwelling. It is an agile jumper, using its powerful hind limbs to leap into the water or hide in rock crevices when threatened. During the day, it retreats into damp caves, under wet stones, or inside rock fissures near waterfalls. Males call at night from wet rocks.
Morphology: Features a more slender and stream-lined body compared to its terrestrial congeners. It possesses long hind legs and expanded toe discs that help it grip wet, slippery rock surfaces. The coloration is highly variable, ranging from olive-brown to greyish tones with dark bandings on the limbs and dorsal mottling.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A paludarium or a tall humid terrarium with a substantial water section is recommended, with minimum dimensions of 60x45x60 cm. The land portion should feature drainage layers, organic soil, river stones, and moss. Furnish with water-resistant driftwood, slate rocks, and moisture-loving plants like ferns and mosses.
Lighting and Heating: Prefers moderate conditions: day temperatures of 22°C to 25°C and night temperatures of 18°C to 20°C. Avoid temperatures above 26°C. If heating is required, an aquarium heater with a protective guard can be placed in the water section. Use low-output LED lighting on a 12-hour timer.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 80% and 95%. A small waterfall or water pump creates water movement that simulates their natural stream environment and keeps humidity high. Mist the terrarium daily with dechlorinated or reverse osmosis water.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. Offer active live prey such as crickets, flies, small roaches, and earthworms. Feeder insects must be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and multivitamin powders containing vitamin A once a week to support metabolic processes and skin health.
Compatibility: Territorial, especially adult males near water sources. Keep them individually or as a confirmed pair in a spacious setup. Do not house with other species, as the semi-aquatic nature of this frog makes it sensitive to overcrowding and competition for prime basking spots.
Health and Common Diseases: Water quality in the aquatic section is critical. Ammonia or chlorine exposure can lead to rapid toxicity and skin sloughing. Prone to bacterial infections (red leg) and fungal diseases if water filtration is inadequate. Change water regularly and clean the mechanical filter media.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Cornufer neckeri is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago, distributed across islands including Bougainville, Choiseul, Santa Isabel, and Guadalcanal. It inhabits wet tropical rainforests, showing a strong preference for riparian zones, rocky streams, and damp ravines. It is frequently found on wet rocks or low-hanging vegetation near fast-flowing water.
Origin
Australia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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