Timbo Disc Frog

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the pristine rainforests of Rio Negro Basin (Brazil, Colombia). It lives burrowed in the damp subterranean soil of primary forests, often near swamps.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Microhylidae, genus Synapturanus. Narrow-mouthed frogs commonly referred to as disc frogs due to their rounded, flattened bodies adapted for digging.

Behavior and Habits: Strictly fossorial and nocturnal. It stays buried within the top layers of humus and leaf litter, calling to mates from inside its underground chambers.

Morphology: Flattened, small body (around 2.6 cm) with a pointed snout and tiny eyes. Dark reddish or greyish coloration. Females are slightly larger than males.

Terrarium Setup: Needs a specialized terrarium (minimum 50x30x30 cm) with a deep (at least 15 cm) layer of sterile forest soil or coconut fiber and dense leaf litter.

Lighting and Heating: Keep stable temperatures around 22-24 °C. Low-intensity lighting or no active light is preferred due to their subterranean habits.

Humidity and Hydration: Extremely high humidity (80-95%) is required. Substrate must remain damp at the bottom without stagnant water. Provide a very shallow water bowl.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feeds on small soil invertebrates (collembola, isopods, pinhead crickets). Dust prey with calcium and vitamin powder once a week.

Compatibility: Shy and secretive species. Best housed individually or in pairs to avoid stress from territoriality or food competition.

Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to skin infections (bacterial or fungal) if the substrate becomes anaerobic or soiled. Monitor soil cleanliness and drainage regularly.