Scaphiophryne gottlebei tank

[clownonfire]

Hi again. I had taken the decision to not document the build of my vivs anymore... until now (that's right.... between the Atelopus hoogmoedi tank and this new project, I have finished a tank for a pair of D. azureus, which will be for my son's 7th birthday next month.

I'm planning to start building a tank for some Scaphiophryne gottlebei. The goal is to get on a breeding project, and join other hobbyists who've been involved with them, either on their own or with TWI. The reason I'm documenting this one is to exchange with those who are already are working with Ornate hoppers, try and gather as much information as possible, build a viable tank for the frogs. This will also be a sort of annexe to the on-going Scaphiophryne gottlebei thread on this board.

I'm hoping by doing so that this thread could hold crucial information on the specifics of housing/breeding tank for these frogs, to ensure or at least contribute to the survival of these species in captivity.

So there you go. We'll discuss tank size, substrate, lighting, plants, you name it.

Eric

[John]

I'm looking forward to this.

[LilyPad]

Very exciting!! I can't wait to follow this.

[clownonfire]

Thank you, John and Amy.

The basic requirements for the S. gottlebei tank will be based on the article by Mercurio V., Aprea G., Crottini A., Mattioli F., Randrianirina J. E., Razafindrabe T. J., Andreone F.:

The amphibians of Isalo Massif, southern-central Madagascar: high frog diversity in an apparently hostile dry habitat. (2008)

This article was kindly provided by Brent Brock, and can also be found here.

"Three main habitat types have been recognised for the Isalo Massif: (1) savannas, (2) open valleys, and (3) narrow canyons (Mercurio & Andreone, 2006). [...] (3) The rocky and montane part is crossed by canyons of various lengths, widths and depths, and with a variable water presence. Some canyons are very narrow with a sandy bed delimited by vertical rock walls. The habitat is dark and sometimes quite similar to a cave, with a rather low and constant temperature (19-22°C) and high humidity (about 100%). Within these close canyons, vegetation is absent (due to scarcity of light) or limited to a few isolated trees. Typical species of this habitat are Scaphiophryne gottlebei, Mantidactylus corvus, and M. noralottae." (p. 15-16).

And:

"Scaphiophryne gottlebei shows some singular ecological aspects exhibiting both fossorial and rupicolous habits. In fact, our observations confirmed its ability to climb up almost vertical canyon walls. On these walls some small holes, caused by the fall of small cobbles, are often used as refuges (Fig. 35). On other occasions individuals were found buried in the sand present on the bottom of the canyons." (p. 45).

When referring to the natural Madagascar habitat they live in, the species is quoted to prefer "small rocky pools within deep canyons [...] This species prefers small rocky pools within deep canyons. [...] Inside the canyon no direct sunlight was present, and the humidity and temperature was nearly constant (90-100% and around 19-21°C)." (p. 45).

When conferring with Corey, it was agreed that a mostly dry sand substrate would be used, with micro habitats made of patches of dry and moist sand, and bigger rocks to create cave-like burrowing sites for the frogs.

According to the article, no plants were found around the natural habitat of the S. gottlebei. This is where I would like anyone to chime in again. Do I keep the tank closer to the canyon environment described above, or are there local plants I could/should add to the biotope?

Eric

[bshmerlie]

Here's what I'm thinking. Cement canyon walls around the perimeter with little random holes around for them to climb into. A large rock structure in the middle to make an internal cave system. A fake foam rock piece that is attatched to the outside of the tank by magnets so you can pull it off to see inside the cave system to observe the frogs. I would also have the roof as a thin layer of cement with only a couple of blue LED lights for viewing (turn them on when needed. A water channel around the rock stucture and also going into the rock structure with a sandy bottom. No plants and no overhead light just the two LED's. This is a large Exo Terra maybe 36X24X24 or maybe custom built. What do you think?

[clownonfire]

I have created a Facebook group for the building of this tank.

The reason for the group is to have a collaborative efforts of members of different boards/forums members. I know because board loyalty it might be harder to partake on other boards, but I believe a collaborative efforts between us all could be extremely beneficial to the survival of these in captivity.

As I have explained on the group, my own loyalty is with Frog Forum, so most of what will be shared there will find its way here (and I've encouraged different members to do the same on their boards).

Eric

[jkooiman]

I've always dreamed of trying these out. I set up my Melanophryniscus tank in order to facilitate flooding, a set up a bit like I would envision a gottlebei tank. For what it's worth, here's a pic before cycling/drying/cooling/flooding took place, a process the plants did not survive Good luck on this project! JVK
[IMG][/IMG]