B. orientalis grows to approximately 5 - 8 cm (about 2 - 3 in.) SVL. In captivity, they should be kept at temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celcius (about 68 - 75 deg. F). B. orientalis is generally bright green on the dorsal surface, bright red on the ventral surface, and mottled with varying amounts of black spots all over. In my experience, stress or cool temperatures can cause toads to darken until the stress is gone or the temperature rises. Firebellied toads, like all other species of frogs, are insectivorous. They only eat live insect prey, which they hunt visually according to movement. If the toad cannot see its prey move, it will not know it is there. Even if a toad was surrounded by heaps of dead insects, it would starve to death because it would not be stimulated into attacking by the insects' movement. Note also that firebellied toads can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and there are reports of individuals making it past 20 years old. Firebellied toads are not 'disposable' pets, and as much thought of the long-term should be given to purchasing one as would be given to acquiring a new cat or dog.

Most species of firebellied toads sometimes engage in what is called an 'unken reflex' when they are disturbed or feel threatened. The word unken comes from a German word meaning 'boat', and refers to the way in which a toad will lay on its belly, contorting its feet, head, and rear-end up into the air in order to display the bright coloration of its underside to a predator. The bright reds, oranges, and yellows found on firebellied toads' bellies are examples of aposematic coloration - warning colors. The toad is thus able to advertise to the predator, "Hey, I'm not very good to eat!" Toads in the genus Bombina are mildly toxic, particularly when found in the wild, although some toxicity is thought to be lost in captivity as a result of diet. Their toxins are produced by glands in the skin, and can cause a very upset stomach if the toad is consumed or bitten into. For this reason, it is very important for the keeper to wash his hands after contact with the toad or the cage surfaces, lest he inadvertantly touch his eyes or other mucous membranes and rub the toxin into them. Such an event is said to be quite painful. Should this occur, rinse the eye(s) with plenty of sterile saline and if necessary, contact a physician. As long as proper hand washing is performed, the keeper need not fear the mild toxicity of the toads.