Betsileo mantella (Mantella betsileo)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Betsileo mantella (Mantella betsileo) (origin: Madagascar – widespread). Adult size around 2–2,5 cm. Life expectancy 8–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Betsileo mantella: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×40×40 cm.
Betsileo mantella: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–20 °C.
Betsileo mantella: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Betsileo mantella: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–10 years.
Betsileo mantella: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–20 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 75–85 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×40×40 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, moss, leaf litter, a shallow water spot
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets
- Feeding interval
- daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 2–2,5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–10 years
- Origin
- Madagascar – widespread
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Group (5–10 animals). Raise juveniles separately from adults. Not because they would be eaten — these animals are far too small for that — but because the larger ones get to the food first and the smaller ones fall behind. Provide enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed separately if there is a size difference.
Notes
The most straightforward Mantella and the best way into the genus. Plainly brown-black with pale flanks, but very robust and easy to breed.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Baron's mantella (Mantella baroni) – Intermediate
- Bernhard's mantella (Mantella bernhardi) – Intermediate
- Blue-legged mantella (Mantella expectata) – Intermediate
- Cowan's mantella (Mantella cowanii) – Intermediate
- Black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum) – Intermediate
- Yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) – Intermediate
- Golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) – Intermediate
- Green mantella (Mantella viridis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Betsileo mantella (Mantella betsileo) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus, moss, leaf litter, 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_mantella, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantella
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).