Bassler's poison frog (Ameerega bassleri)

Short answers

Bassler's poison frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 50×40×40 cm for a pair, with around 400 cm² more floor space per additional animal; set up as a stream- or waterfall-style enclosure with drainage and a bank zone.

Bassler's poison frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 19–22 °C.

Bassler's poison frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).

Bassler's poison frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Bassler's poison frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C

Night temperature

19–22 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

80–90 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 50×40×40 cm for a pair, with around 400 cm² more floor space per additional animal; set up as a stream- or waterfall-style enclosure with drainage and a bank zone

Substrate

Coco humus, a thick layer of leaf litter, stones, a shallow water spot

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, micro crickets, springtails

Feeding interval

daily

Key facts

Adult size

3.5–4.5 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Northern Peru, San Martín region — humid montane forests at 500–1400 m altitude, always near streams

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A pair or a small group. Only put together animals of the same species and roughly the same size — smaller ones will otherwise be treated as food. Offer enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed them separately when they differ in size.

Notes

A large, powerful ground species with a very loud call – a factor in a living room. The males carry the larvae on their backs to water; a shallow water zone is essential.

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

• Yellow-bellied poison frog (Ameerega hahneli) – Intermediate
• Painted poison frog (Ameerega picta) – Intermediate
• Ruby poison frog (Ameerega parvula) – Intermediate
• Yellow-striped poison frog (Ameerega flavopicta) – Intermediate
• Three-striped poison frog (Ameerega trivittata) – Intermediate
• Pepper's poison frog (Ameerega pepperi) – Intermediate
• Silverstone's poison frog (Ameerega silverstonei) – Intermediate
• Anthony's poison frog (Hyloxalus nexipus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bassler's poison frog (Ameerega bassleri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 50×40×40 cm for a pair, with around 400 cm² more floor space per additional animal; set up as a stream- or waterfall-style enclosure with drainage and a bank zone), substrate (Coco humus, a thick layer of leaf litter, stones, a shallow water spot), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.