COMMON NAME

Splash-Backed Poison Frog

LATIN NAME

Dendrobates galactonotus

NATIVE TO

Central America. It is restricted to the areas south of the Amazonas in Brazil. The exact distribution is not well known

ADULT SIZE

Up to 2in/4cm. 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

The body colouring is black with a splash of colour on the back. In the wild, this colour splash can be red or yellow but the white or 'moonshine' morph has not yet reproduced in captivity

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

Both males and females are aggressive and often wrestle. 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.