Amazonian poison frog (Ranitomeya ventrimaculata)

Short answers

Amazonian poison frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×50 cm for a pair, planted.

Amazonian poison frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot — direct heat is harmful, at night 18–21 °C.

Amazonian poison frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0), no strong lamp.

Amazonian poison frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–15 years.

Amazonian poison frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

18–21 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot — direct heat is harmful

Humidity

80–95 %, mist daily

UVB

Weak UVB recommended (UVB 2.0), no strong lamp

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×50 cm for a pair, planted

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with a drainage layer, moss, leaf litter, bromeliads and film canisters as spawning sites

Feeding

Food

Springtails, fruit flies and aphids, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

1,5–1,8 cm

Life expectancy

8–15 years

Origin

Peru, Ecuador, Colombia

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

No winter rest, at most a short dry spell to trigger breeding

Cohabitation

Equally suited to being kept as a pair or in a small group - this species is considered notably non-aggressive towards conspecifics and does well both ways. Rear juveniles separately from adults, since larger animals reach the food first.

Notes

A tiny species that spawns in bromeliad funnels. It needs a densely planted enclosure with plenty of funnels.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya amazonica) – Intermediate
• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya imitator) – Beginner to intermediate
• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya variabilis) – Intermediate
• Red-headed poison frog (Ranitomeya fantastica) – Intermediate
• Yellow-striped poison frog (Ranitomeya flavovittata) – Intermediate
• Reticulated poison frog (Ranitomeya reticulata) – Intermediate
• Blessed poison frog (Ranitomeya benedicta) – Intermediate
• Sira poison frog (Ranitomeya sirensis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Amazonian poison frog (Ranitomeya ventrimaculata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×50 cm for a pair, planted), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with a drainage layer, moss, leaf litter, bromeliads and film canisters as spawning sites), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.