Bandbull Frog / Asian Painted Frog
A plump, burrowing frog with a narrow mouth and dark blotches, common in Southeast Asia.
Overview
Bandbull Frog / Asian Painted Frog (Kaloula pulchra) is a narrow-mouthed frog native to Southeast Asia. A plump, burrowing frog with a narrow mouth and dark blotches, common in Southeast Asia.
Care level: Beginner. Toxicity: Low.
History & Origin
The Microhylidae (Narrow-mouthed Frogs) is naturally distributed across Southeast Asia, where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.
Appearance & Size
Bandbull Frog / Asian Painted Frog is a 5–7 cm narrow-mouthed frog.
Temperament
Narrow-mouthed frogs are small, secretive burrowers that spend much of their time hidden in substrate; they are shy, easy to feed and well suited to simple setups.
Care & Husbandry
A narrow-mouthed frog needs a warm, humid terrarium with a deep, slightly moist substrate for burrowing and a shallow water dish. A diet of small insects (ants, tiny crickets, fruit flies) suits them; they are unfussy and easy to maintain.
This species is generally rated Beginner in difficulty for keepers.
Health & Lifespan
In captivity Bandbull Frog / Asian Painted Frog typically lives 5–8 years. With simple care these frogs often live 5–10 years. Keep substrate slightly moist (never waterlogged) and watch for dehydration or parasite load from wild-caught feeders.
Popularity & Recognition
Narrow-mouthed frogs are less common in the trade but valued by specialists for their tiny size and comical, round-faced appearance.
