Cinnamon Tree Frog Care Guide
Nyctixalus Pictus
Last updated: September 21, 2026
The Cinnamon Frog (Nyctixalus pictus) is a small arboreal tree frog from the lowland forests of the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. Adults reach only 30-40mm SVL and carry a reddish cinnamon-brown skin dotted with pale white or yellow spots. They are strictly nocturnal — daylight is spent tucked into leaf axils or under broad foliage, and activity begins after dark. Historically the species came into the hobby mostly as wild-caught imports; captive-bred stock is now becoming more consistently available.
Housing Requirements
- Terrarium Size: 18" x 18" x 24" Exo Terra or similar minimum for a pair or small group; taller is better than wider for this arboreal species
- Tank Mates: Tolerant of conspecifics and does well in small groups of 3-5 adults given enough vertical perches; do not mix with other species
- Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C) during the day, dropping a few degrees at night
- Humidity: 70-90%, maintained with daily misting and a well-sealed enclosure
- Lighting: Standard vivarium LED on a 12-hour day/night cycle; UVB is not required — dust prey with a quality calcium plus D3 supplement instead
Substrate & Environment
- ABG mix or similar well-draining bioactive substrate over a drainage layer
- Densely planted with broadleaf plants (Pothos, Philodendron, bromeliads) — the frogs sleep tucked into leaf axils and under leaves during the day
- Vertical branches, cork rounds, and bamboo tubes for climbing and daytime hides
- Shallow standing water or a small water feature; a film canister or artificial phytotelm-style container works as a breeding site
- Isopods and springtails as a live cleanup crew
Diet & Feeding
- Small crickets (pinheads to 1/4") as a staple
- Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster and hydei) for variety and for juveniles
- Springtails and aphids as small enrichment prey
- Feed in the evening, when the frogs are active
- Dust prey with calcium plus D3 at most feedings and a multivitamin once weekly
Breeding
- Sexually mature around 12-18 months
- Females attach small clutches (typically 7-14 eggs) to the walls above a water-holding cavity; tadpoles drop into the water on hatching
- Provide film canisters, bamboo internodes, or bromeliad axils with a shallow pool of clean water as breeding sites
- Tadpoles can be reared communally or in individual cups with regular water changes
- Established groups will often breed sporadically year-round in a properly set up terrarium; a slight cool and drier period followed by heavier misting can help trigger a cycle
Special Notes
- Reclusive by day — the display will mostly show off plants and hardscape until the lights go out; expect to see the frogs active only after dark
- Small and quick when startled; always work with the enclosure closed above you and use a catch cup for moves
- Handle only when absolutely necessary for medical care or moving
- Quarantine all new animals for 30+ days, especially any wild-caught or import-line stock
See live availability + full details at Cinnamon Tree Frog on Feeling Froggy.