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This caresheet was derived from an article by Michael Ready called "Care of the Giant Monkey Frog, (Phyllomedusa bicolor)" that appeard in the "Bulletin of the International Hylid Society" Volume 2, Number 3, Fall 1997.
Two adults may be kept in a vivarium with dimensions 60x60x90 cm (24x24x36 inches). Individuals in quarantine and juveniles can be kept in smaller vivaria.
This species is arboreal and loves to climb. A small or shallow cage will place great stress on the frog and it will spend many hours trying to get out, often scraping its eyes and snout. A glass vivaria with full screen top or half screen/half glass top works well. Full screen can be used in a climate controlled room.
This branches should be provided as perches. P. bicolor prefer this branches to thick ones. Live plants help maintain humidity and make the vivarium more "natural." Sturdy leafed aroids such as Philodendrons and Monsteras work well.
A layered substrate works well with this species. Carbon and gravel underneath, soil (peat, sand, loam) topped with New Zealand sphagnum. Also unbleached paper towels and untreated furniture foam, which are ideal for quarantine tanks.
P. bicolor does best in a very warm temperature and often basks. The best temperature range seems to be 24-32 degrees C (75-90 degrees F). A low wattage ceramic basking lamp can be provided.
Natural sunlight is beneficial. Also good results have been obtained using 60w Chromalux bulbs.
Moderate humidity levels of 60-80% are fine. Occasional light misting of the plants and substrate help to maintain the humidity level, but do not mist the frogs directly. Do not keep the frogs in a soggy, wet environment.
Clean, filtered water must be provided in a shallow water dish. Remove feces whenever present.
Large gut-loaded crickets are the available staple food item. This is a voracious eater and it is not uncommon for an adult to consume twelve large crickets in a feeding. Feeding 2 or 3 times a week is a good schedule. Other good food items include moths and roaches. Live pink to "crew" mice can be fed. A smooth sided plastic or ceramic dish works well as a feeding receptacle. Some giant monkey frogs will hand feed.
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