Helmeted water toad (Caudiverbera caudiverbera) ?

[Justin Bailey]

It is perfectly okay and recommended to give a vairied diet. I was suggesting that if you are planning to feed only one main food source to make husbandry easier, that I would recommend feeding nightcrawlers/earthworms as they are the most nutritious of the available food items. I would recommend not feeding fish and frogs as they normally carry a large parasite load. It sounds like you will be getting the captive bred juveniles that were exported, congratulations on getting the two!
I have kept many many species of frogs, especially less kept, rare or endangered species. I have helped zoos in different parts of the country maintain and breed various species of endangered amphibians over the years. I don't like to boast though, there is always someone out there who has way more knowledge than the next, and it is all about relaying the information to the next guy so we can keep these animals around on this Earth. I will be flying to Argentina on the 19th next month to research the natural habits of the frogs there, as well as doing some mission work. Hopefully it will be a successful educational experience that I can share with everyone!

[Justin Bailey]

**IMPORTANT** I happened to go back over my notes on this species, and made a critical error when I gave you suggestions on the care instructions. Sorry! These frogs are kept like Budgett's frogs as far as general setup. However, I gave you the wrong water temperature requirements I apologize, this is very important as this is a big reason for the frogs decline in wild presently aside from Chytrid. The climate is getting warmer in Chile causing a drop in population to the frogs. Water temps need to stay around 70 degrees fahrenheit during the day and 65 degrees fahrenheit during the night. Do not allow the water to get higher than 75 degrees fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time. They are still found in small pools and puddles, however the water temperature is slightly cooler in the Andes. Again, I apologize for misplacing that information. Should be good to go now!

[GrifTheGreat]

**IMPORTANT** I happened to go back over my notes on this species, and made a critical error when I gave you suggestions on the care instructions. Sorry! These frogs are kept like Budgett's frogs as far as general setup. However, I gave you the wrong water temperature requirements I apologize, this is very important as this is a big reason for the frogs decline in wild presently aside from Chytrid. The climate is getting warmer in Chile causing a drop in population to the frogs. Water temps need to stay around 70 degrees fahrenheit during the day and 65 degrees fahrenheit during the night. Do not allow the water to get higher than 75 degrees fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time. They are still found in small pools and puddles, however the water temperature is slightly cooler in the Andes. Again, I apologize for misplacing that information. Should be good to go now!

I actually became confused when you suggested water temps in the 80°s. I remembered reading about them living in cool water. Thanks for clarifying.