Madagascar Reed Frog

Heterixalus madagascariensis

A tiny pale blue frog with a black face stripe and orange feet that lives in drier areas of northeastern Madagascar.

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About the Madagascar Reed Frog

Madagascar reed frogs grow up to 1.5 inches long. Their backs are light blue to almost white, with a black stripe across the face, which gives them another name, the blue-black reed frog. Their bellies fade from yellow to white, and their feet are orange. They live in dry forests, farmland and towns on the northeast coast of Madagascar and eat small insects.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Heterixalus madagascariensis^[1]
Size: Up to 1.5 inches long.^[1]
Lifespan: 2 to 3 years; over 5 in human care.^[1]
Diet: Insectivore. Small insects.^[1]
Habitat: Dry forests, croplands and towns near water.^[1]
Where it lives: Northeastern coast of Madagascar.^[1]
Group life: Nocturnal.^[1]
Babies: About 300 eggs laid in water.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2016).^[2]

Fun facts

It's also called the blue-black reed frog.^[1]
Madagascar reed frogs prefer drier places than most frogs.^[1]
Their feet are bright orange.^[1]

Vocabulary

metamorphosis: A big change in body form as an animal grows up, like a tadpole becoming a frog.
tadpole: A young frog that lives in water and breathes with gills.
endemic: Found naturally in only one place in the world.
nocturnal: Active mainly at night.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Oakland ZooOakland, California · Children's ZooSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Oakland Zoo. “Madagascar Reed Frog.” https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/madagascar-reed-frog/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Heterixalus madagascariensis (Madagascar Reed Frog).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/56102/84160399 (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.

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