Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis)

Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) for Sale

The red-crowned toadlet is one of Sydney’s own frogs, and one of its most striking. Found only in the Sydney Basin, this tiny frog lives in the sandstone bushland of the Hawkesbury region, sheltering under leaf litter and rocks near temporary soaks. It’s dark grey to brown, with bright red-orange patches on its head and lower back, and a bold black-and-white mottled belly. It reaches only about 3cm, making it perfect for a small, planted bioactive enclosure.

Red-crowned toadlets are listed as Vulnerable in NSW, as much of their habitat has been cleared. Our toadlets are [captive-bred], and keeping them responsibly helps build interest in protecting their wild populations.

They live in groups of 3+

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Pseudophryne australis
• Common name: red-crowned toadlet
• Adult size: up to about 3cm
• Native range: Sydney Basin, NSW (Hawkesbury sandstone country)
• Lifespan: several years with good care
• Activity: ground-dwelling, most active in cool, damp conditions
• Experience level: intermediate
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (NSW)
• Licence: R2 Land Frog Amphibian License

Hand-picked for you
We work with more than 80 trusted breeders across Australia and inspect each animal before it comes to you. Frogs are sold online only, due to permit requirements.

Red-crowned Toadlet Care Guide

Enclosure
A 45x45x45cm or 60x45x30cm enclosure suits a small group. They live on the ground, so floor space matters more than height. Use a secure, fine-mesh lid, as these frogs are tiny.

Temperature
Keep them cool: 16–22°C suits this species. Avoid temperatures above 25°C, and don’t add heat unless your home gets very cold.

Humidity
High, around 70–90%, but don’t let the substrate become waterlogged. Mist lightly once or twice a day.

Substrate and décor
A moist, soil-based substrate such as our Rainforest Substrate Mix, with a thick layer of leaf litter, moss, flat rocks and small pieces of bark to shelter under. Add springtails and isopods to keep it clean.

Lighting
Low-level UVB (2–6%) on a 12-hour timer, plus a plant light if you have live plants.

Water
A very shallow dish of dechlorinated water or rainwater that small frogs can climb out of easily. Never use straight tap water.

Diet
Very small live food: springtails, flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets and tiny isopods. Feed every 1–2 days and dust with calcium.

Handling
Keep handling to a minimum. These are tiny, delicate frogs that absorb chemicals through their skin, so only handle them with clean, wet, soap-free hands.

Red-crowned toadlet FAQ

Where do red-crowned toadlets come from?
Only the Sydney Basin in New South Wales, in sandstone bushland around the Hawkesbury region.

Are red-crowned toadlets endangered?
They’re listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales, mainly due to habitat loss from urban development.

How big do red-crowned toadlets get?
Up to about 3cm, so they suit small, planted enclosures.

What do red-crowned toadlets eat?
Tiny live insects: springtails, flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets and small isopods.

Do I need a licence for a red-crowned toadlet?
Yes. In NSW, native frogs require a R2 licence. Check our Reptile & Frog Licensing guide for your state.

Everything you need: Land Frog Bioactive Enclosure Kit, Rainforest Substrate Mix, Springtail Cultures, Flightless Fruit Fly Culture, Dwarf White Isopod (Trichorhina tomentosa).