Fascinating Myths About Tomato Frogs

You might be in a hunt for a new exotic pet to care for, or you may be eyeing to start your exotic pet journey, or maybe, you are just a lurker on the internet trying to satisfy their curiosity and get knowledgeable facts about tomato frogs. Either way, whichever you are, you are on the right site. 

Below are some of the most common myths about tomato frogs. It is extremely important that we pay attention to beliefs circulating around us as it will affect the perception, together with how we will treat these types of frogs. Moreover, we also added myths’ presence in facts in general that will help you increase your awareness about this animal, and who knows, it might come in handy in certain situations.

First, let us define Tomato frogs

Tomato frogs are any of the three varieties of genus Dyscophus, oirignating and very prevalent in Madagascar. Their name comes from their luminous red color. Red and plump, these types of frogs are very much tomato-looking. The most brilliant and largest individuals of the species are the females. In both sexes, coloration serves as a caution sign—when menaced, the tomato frog exudates a white, glue-like substance from its skin, which functions as an impediment to predators. It numbs the predator’s eyes and mouth. Moreover, this toxic defense mechanism causes, on occasion, allergic reactions in humans. The allergic reaction is not deadly, and rest assured it is only released when threatened. 

Myth # 1: Tomato frog’s skin is dangerous to touch

Tomato frogs do not like to be handled, frequent handling can accumulate a great deal of stress for them. If you ever touch them the first few times, with a long interval of no contact, then it is really not dangerous. The danger comes from frequent handling, as they will begin to secrete their glue like substance that wears off their predator. But in case that frequent handling is really needed and necessary, opt on using gloves because it can cause an allergic reaction for you. The allergic reaction is not at all a big deal, it subsides quickly, but still, precaution is needed. 

Myth # 2: Tomato frogs are aggressive, they should not be petted

This is a very misleading myths. Tomato frogs do not manifest aggressiveness, and in fact it is one of the most beginner-friendly frogs out there because of  how easy their care requirements are and their relatively low maintenance. Tomato frogs have a docile and calm personality, they will not give you a hard time. Provide their actual needs, and surely they will make great exotic pets 

Myth # 3: Tomato frogs can kill typical house pets 

False, tomato frogs are not harmful and fatal creatures to live by if you have these typical house pets. However, getting them to socialize with each other is not a great idea, as one thing can lead to another. Your house pets might mistake your frog for toys. It’s crucial that you cage your frog, and just allow your house pets to observe it. 

Myth # 4: Tomato frogs are complicated creatures

False. This myth arises because of how unique tomato frogs look. They are red in color which is really uncommon if we compare the totality of frogs to this species. However, being red has nothing to do with either their personality and care needs. Tomato frogs have really been shown to be raised much like any other pet frogs. 

Myth #5: Tomato frog’s urine can give off warts that are much denser than any other frogs 

False, to set the facts straight. There exist no amphibians that can give you warts. Warts are driven by a human virus. This myth has been present for a very long term and is associated with the fact that most frogs have warty looking bumps. To tell you, these are glands, and do not secrete anything that causes warts.

Myth #6: Kissing a frog will not turn it to a price, rather can make you very sick 

This is very true. Kissing a frog can be very dangerous to human health, and this is depending on the species of frogs. But for a solid overview, physicians conclude that it can generally cause sicknesses, vomiting, and hallucinations. Death is unlikely, but an unfortunate possibility. 

Myth # 7: Frogs can breathe using their skin 

Another impressive fact considering it comes from a myths. All frogs can breathe through their lungs, nostrils, together with the lining of their mouth as well as through their skin. They do this by absorbing the oxygen in the surrounding water. In actuality, this is one of the reasons most frogs love to spend their time in the water. It keeps them hydrated with no problems. 

Myths # 8: Frogs are fascinating creatures as pink, purple, and rainbow frogs exists 

You may also fall under the belief of having rainbow, purple and pink frogs as search engines have them. However, this myth is false and no pink, purple, or rainbow frogs exist, the pictures are simply edited. Moreover, there exist pictures of so-called frog hybrids, and those two are very false. This is because technology has made its way of allowing individuals to edit really hyper realistic false images.