Golden Poison Dart Frog

Overview

Golden Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) is a poison dart frog native to Colombia. Among the most toxic animals on Earth in the wild; captive-bred individuals are harmless, bright yellow-orange.

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

Golden 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 Expert in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity Golden Poison Dart Frog typically lives 10–15 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.