If you are searching for an attractive amphibian that is easy to look after and can become surprisingly tame, ready to take food from your hand, then why not consider these colourful toads?

There are now reckoned to be six species of fire-bellied toad, grouped in the genus Bombina, of which the best-known is the Oriental fire-bellied toad (B. orientalis). It grows to about 6cm (2.5in) long, and ranges from Korea northwards to parts of Russia and north-east China.

Oriental fire-bellied toads are widely bred, and occur in two different colour variants. The traditional form, sometimes described as the Korean, has mainly lime green upperparts, broken with variable black patterning. This creates an attractive contrast with the individual fiery orange markings on the underparts.

There is another distinctive type though, which originates from further north. These individuals, which have brown rather than green colouration, are often referred to as Russian or “golden” fire-bellied toads. Nevertheless, there is some variation between these two extremes, and you can sometimes see individuals that have areas of both green and brown colouration on their bodies.

Protection

Russian or “golden” example of the Oriental fire-bellied toad.

As with most things in nature that are conspicuous and brightly coloured, the orange underparts of these toads serve as a warning. In common with many amphibians, fire-bellied toads have skin toxins that help to protect them from predators.

When threatened, these toads will adopt a very distinctive posture, known as the ‘unken reflex’ which is derived from their German name of unke. The toad flips over on to its back, arching and contorting its body to emphasise the bright colouration on its belly. It swallows more air, which will inflate its body, causing it to appear larger, while at the same time, it releases toxins from glands over its body, which give it a foul taste.

Lifestyle

These toads are found in relatively shallow stretches of water, and are quite opportunistic in their habits. They readily colonise and breed in artificial areas of water, such as paddy fields, and may even spawn occasionally in puddles, although they prefer larger areas of standing water, including ditches. In northern parts of their range, they may hibernate in streams, although more commonly, they seek out piles of leaves or retreat under tree roots for this purpose, often congregating in groups in suitable localities of this type.