Bombina orientalis
Oriental fire-bellied toad
1 active listing · Amphibians · amphibians
Category
Amphibians
Origin
China, South Korea and North Korea
About the species
The Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis) is a semi-aquatic frog in Bombinatoridae. The native range covers eastern and north-eastern China and the Korean Peninsula. In the Russian Far East the species occurs only locally — that is not a reason to paint all of Russia. In the field it lives at shallow water, ditches, and forest edges. Adults usually reach about 4–5 cm. The skin secretes defensive irritants: wash hands after contact, and tank water does not go near mouth or eyes.
Origin and distribution
China, South Korea and North Korea
It occurs naturally in China, South Korea and North Korea.
Current listings
Care at a glance
Size
Adults usually approx. 4–5 cm body length
Enclosure type
Semi-aquatic: shallow water plus a permanent land area
Temperature
Day usually approx. 20–25°C; a winter drop, not constant 28°C
Humidity
High beside the water; the land area must not rot
Furnishings
A shallow pool, islands, hides, modest light, and clean water
Characteristics
Diurnal and semi-aquatic; a bright belly and defensive secretions
Care and behaviour
Bombina orientalis needs both water and land. A typical minimum for a small group is about 60×30×30 cm with a pool on 1/2–2/3 of the floor and stable islands. Water stays shallow, dechlorinated, and changed regularly. A gentle sponge filter beats a strong current. Land is cork, stone, and moss; the animal basks and forages, it does not swim without pause.
Food is small invertebrates: crickets, whiteworms, bloodworms, small roaches. Juveniles eat daily; adults usually every 1–2 days. Insects are dusted with calcium and periodic multivitamin. The species tolerates moderate cool better than constant heat. A seasonal drop and shorter day support the cycle but do not replace clean water.
The toad is diurnal and usually social in a group, but males may jostle in season. The bright belly is a warning, not an invitation to handle. Secretions irritate mucosae; do not house this species with fish or with delicate tadpoles of other frogs in one body of water.
Good to know
Bombina orientalis is not currently listed on the CITES Appendices. National keeping and trade rules still apply. The species is not venomous by bite; the risks are skin secretions and poor water. The map shows China and the Korean Peninsula, not all of Russia.