M.Nasuta care sheet
WRITTEN BY D.KNIGHT
INTRODUCTION
Megophrys Nasuta are a terrestrial frog from the family Megophryidae. They originate from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Females reach up to 5 inches in length while males are smaller reaching 2.5-3 inches.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
A large terrestrial set up is required, a 18x24x18 will house an adult female. They do better kept alone as they are ferocious predators. Natural set ups that are well planted make an ideal home for these frogs. Covering the sides of the tank with blacking out paper or coco panels will provide them with extra security and help to reduce stress. Sphagnum moss, gravel, bark and any other loose substrate should be avoided as it may cause impactions. Eco earth or coco husk make ideal substrates but should be given drainage by means of a false bottom or a deep layer of hydroleca. Also beneficial to these frogs is a layer of dried leaves over the eco earth, this well help reduce stress and make them feel more camouflaged
LIGHTING
Although the research is on going, U.V can provide many benefits. It is very beneficial in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. Although M.Nasuta may be nocturnal and prefer shaded areas, U.V rays reach through out the rainforest penertrating leaves giving them exposure to the rays. A 2% tube with a reflector placed over the top of the viv will provide them with substantial U.V. The light emitted from the tube will also be needed to maintain the plants in the vivarium.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Humidity's of 80%-85% along with good ventilation is vital. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water daily and not allowed to fully dry out. A temperature of 82-85 in the day with a drop to 78 degrees at night is ideal. Heat emitting bulbs should not be used to achieve this as the ill rapidly dry out the air.
FEEDING
Crickets, locusts and worms are readily accepted, however M.Nasuta will eat large food items such as small rodents, lizards and in the wild even scorpions, spiders and crabs. vitamins and calcium supplements should be dusted onto the food, the most effective way to do this is by placing the food into Food items should be sized accordingly, the best way to judge this is by offering items that are equal to the distance between the specamins pupils. vitamins and calcium supplements should be dusted onto the food, the most effective way to do this is by placing the food into a bag, adding the supplement and gently shaking. Adults should be given a feed with calcium once per week and vitamins also once per week, Juveniles will need more frequent supplementing. Do not supplement calcium and vitamins at the same time, do one per feed. Food items should also be gut-loaded on fresh veg before being offered. Adult M.Nasuta should be fed 2 - 3 times per week and juveniles daily. Any uneaten food should be removed from the viv as it will not only stress and bite the frogs but it will also eat the plants.
WATERING
A water area should be provided as they will use it to replenish their natural water reserve. The area or dish should be changed daily using
de-chlorinated water.
CLEANING
The vivarium should be spot cleaned daily with any feces or dead food items being removed. It is also beneficial to wipe down the leaves of the plants with an amphibian safe disinfectant. Cleanliness is vital in amphibian husbandry and should be dealt with responsibly.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Megophrys Nasuta do not like or get used to being handled, it is very stress full to them and if not done correctly very dangerous. Not only will the salts in human skin irritate them but there is a risk of damaging a limb or tearing the skin. When cleaning the viv the safest and less stress full way for the frogs is to catch them in a tub which has been sprayed with de-chlorinated water.
SEXING MEGOPHRYS NASUTA
Megophrys Nasuta are not sex-able untill they reach a mature age. The biggest sexual difference other than size is males will call in the evenings. Females are larger than males
CONCLUSION
Magophrys Nasuta are a great anura, but are not ideal for beginners. They have a long life span and are very interesting to watch providing the proper care and husbandry is provided.