Fire-Bellied Toad

Bombina orientalis

The fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis) is a small semi-aquatic amphibian from East Asia, with a green or brown mottled back and a bright orange to red belly marked with dark patches. When threatened, it may arch its body to show the warning colors on the underside. Despite the common name, it is not a true toad in the narrow sense, and it spends much of its time in shallow water, damp vegetation, and quiet pools.

In captivity, fire-bellied toads need a clean amphibian setup with both water and easy land access, gentle filtration or frequent water changes, and cool to moderate temperatures rather than tropical heat. Their skin absorbs chemicals easily, so dechlorinated water, clean hands, and minimal handling are important. They eat small insects and worms, with supplements used carefully. Breeders provide seasonal cues and floating plants or shallow areas for eggs and tadpoles, while keepers should avoid mixing them with animals that may be irritated by their skin secretions.