Bred in North Carolina

The best beginner amphibian, by a breeder who's kept them since childhood.

I'm Tim Nichols. You may know me from MrMaple.com. Fire-bellied toads were my first love as a kid, and after years of keeping tree frogs and dart frogs as an adult I came right back to them. They're hardy, day-active, eat out of your hand, and live 20+ years. Every toad on this site was hatched and raised in my aquariums — never wild-caught, never imported.

Meet the breeder

Why fire-bellies

  • Active during the day

    Unlike tree frogs and dart frogs, fire-bellies are out and about when you are. Feeding time turns into a frenzy you can actually watch.

  • 20+ year companions

    Properly cared for, Bombina orientalis can live two decades or more in captivity. These aren't a one-season pet.

  • Beginner-friendly

    Room-temperature, low-maintenance, no loud calls, and forgiving of small mistakes. The perfect first amphibian for adults and families.

Live Fire-Bellied Toads

Browse our collection of live fire-bellied toads, including healthy juveniles and other growing stages. Known for their bright green coloration, fiery red-orange bellies, and active personalities, fire-bellied toads are one of the most popular amphibians in the hobby. Whether you're new to amphibian keeping or an experienced enthusiast, these hardy and entertaining toads make a fantastic addition to a properly maintained habitat.

About the breeder

Meet Tim Nichols

Hey y'all. I grew up keeping fire-bellied toads, then spent years running MrMaple.com, a mail-order Japanese maple nursery. After tree frogs (too loud), dart frogs (too hidden), I came back to fire-bellies — easy, hardy, full of personality. Now I breed them and ship them across the US so you can have the same experience I had as a kid.

Read the full story

Explore

  • Setting up your tank

    Enclosure size, water, temperature, humidity, lighting — everything you need to know before your toads arrive.

    Read the care guide 

  • About Bombina orientalis

    Size, lifespan, coloration, social behavior, and breeding habits of the fire-bellied toad.

    Learn the species 

  • Shop available toads

    Current clutches available for shipping. Sold in groups or as singles. Live arrival guaranteed.

    Browse the shop 

Care quick-start

What size tank do I need?

A standard 20-gallon long aquarium or an 18" x 18" x 12" terrarium fits a small group. Fire-bellies are escape artists, so every gap in the lid needs to be covered. They're semi-aquatic — about half land, half shallow water.

Temperature & humidity

Room temperature is ideal — mid-70s°F. Sustained high 80s can be fatal. Keep humidity at 60–70% with a partial screen lid for airflow. A digital thermometer and hygrometer (cheap on Amazon) are worth every penny.

What do they eat?

Mostly 1/4" crickets, with fruit flies, small roaches, and black soldier fly larvae as variety. Dust food with a calcium supplement and Repashy Superpig to keep their bellies fire-bright.

Shipping & live arrival

Toads ship overnight via UPS or FedEx Priority in insulated, heat- or cool-pack-controlled boxes. Live arrival is guaranteed — if anything goes wrong in transit, we make it right.

Are they good for beginners?

Yes. Fire-bellies are widely considered the best beginner amphibian. They're forgiving, day-active, eat readily, and don't make loud calls. Kids love them. Adults love them.