Dyeing Poison Dart Frog

Overview

Dyeing Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) is a poison dart frog native to Northern South America. A large dart frog with black body and vivid yellow-blue markings, captive-bred individuals are non-toxic.

Care level: Advanced. Toxicity: Highly toxic in the wild, generally harmless in captivity.

History & Origin

The Dendrobatidae (Poison Dart Frogs) is naturally distributed across Northern South America, where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.

Appearance & Size

Dyeing Poison Dart Frog is a 3–5 cm poison dart frog.

Temperament

Poison dart frogs are diurnal, bold and intensely colourful; in captivity (fed a captive diet) they are not toxic, but they are small, sensitive to stress and best kept in species-specific groups.

Care & Husbandry

Poison dart frogs need a warm, humid bioactive terrarium (24–27 °C, 80–100% humidity) with leaf litter and film for microfauna. They eat fruit flies, springtails and pinhead crickets; vitamins and calcium are essential. Never mix species or house them with other amphibians.

This species is generally rated Advanced in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity Dyeing Poison Dart Frog typically lives 8–12 years. In captivity these frogs typically live 8–15 years. They are sensitive to poor humidity and contaminated food; use only supplement-dusted, pathogen-free insects and keep the terrarium clean and stable.

Popularity & Recognition

Poison dart frogs are celebrated for their jewel-like colours and are among the most popular display amphibians in the hobby, with many captive-bred morphs.