File-eared Tree Frog

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Rainforests of Borneo, Sumatra, and Java. Prefers arboreal vegetation near pools, swamps, and slow-moving streams.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Rhacophoridae, genus Polypedates. Characterized by prominent, serrated bony ridges above the tympanum.

Behavior and Habits: Strictly nocturnal and arboreal. Spends the night hunting insects in the canopy and the day camouflaged and motionless on large leaves.

Morphology: Slender build with large golden eyes and a distinctive file-like ridge above the ear. Females are significantly larger than males.

Terrarium Setup: Needs a tall, well-ventilated arboreal terrarium (minimum 45x45x60 cm) equipped with climbing branches, broad-leaved live plants, and a shallow water dish.

Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures at 24-28 °C using a thermostat-controlled heat source. Provide low-output UVB lighting on a 12-hour cycle.

Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity (70-85%) by misting the enclosure twice daily. Ensure a fresh water source is always available.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed gut-loaded live insects (crickets, roaches, worms) 3 times a week. Dust food with calcium and multivitamins regularly.

Compatibility: Best housed individually or in same-sized pairs. Do not mix with other amphibian species to prevent stress and pathogen transmission.

Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to temperatures exceeding 28 °C. Prone to bacterial skin infections if humidity is high without proper air ventilation.