Harlequin Poison Dart Frog
A variable-colored dart frog whose young are fed unfertilized eggs by the mother.
Overview
Harlequin Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga histrionica) is a poison dart frog native to Colombia. A variable-colored dart frog whose young are fed unfertilized eggs by the mother.
Care level: Expert. Toxicity: Highly toxic in the wild, generally harmless in captivity.
History & Origin
The Dendrobatidae (Poison Dart Frogs) is naturally distributed across Colombia, 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
Harlequin Poison Dart Frog is a 2–3 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 Expert in difficulty for keepers.
Health & Lifespan
In captivity Harlequin 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.
