COMMON NAME

Dyeing Poison Frog

LATIN NAME

Dendrobates tinctorius

NATIVE TO

French Guiana and adjacent northeastern Brazil

ADULT SIZE

2in/5cm. Lifespan of 10 years or more in captivity

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Lays about 5-10 eggs hatching in 10-14 days. Provide at least two halved coconut shells as 'honeymoon huts'. Place a petrie dish, containing less than 1/2 inch (12mm) of water, in each. Secure a plastic plant leaf over the dish so that the leaf tip enters the water. The frogs will lay their eggs on top of the leaf

APPEARANCE

Largest of the Dendrobates species. Body colouring is black with wide yellow stripes and the legs are blue with black spots. Varied morphs. The Dyeing poison frog got its name because it was once used by South American Natives to dye textiles

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Feed daily as they are ravenous eaters. They eat fruitflies, microcrickets, tiny waxmoth larvae,aphids and tiny early stage mealworms. Vitamin/mineral supplement required.

EASE OF CARE

Not too difficult although some experience is necessary

TEMPERAMENT

These are very aggressive frogs and both sexes fight although there are seldom any injuries. Keep 2 or 3 females to one male. Handle cautiously and only when necessary as their skin is very delicate. Always wash hands after touching. Active in the morning and afternoon.

VIVARIUM SETUP

A large 50 gallon vivarium will house 2 males and 3-4 females.
A waterfall is beneficial or provide a small shallow water bowl. Rainforest-type climate. Plant with Bromeliads, pothos, spider plants, and philodendrons. Mist heavily twice daily with warm water. Keep well ventilated to avoid fungus. Day time temperature 78-82F/25-28C dropping 3-4 degrees at night.
High humidity of 80%. Fluorescent light tube and under-tank heatpad required.

SUBSTRATE

Layer of small gravel covered with soil and sphagnum moss.