Black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum) (origin: Eastern Madagascar – a very small range). Adult size around 2–2,5 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Black-eared mantella: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×40×40 cm.
Black-eared mantella: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–19 °C.
Black-eared mantella: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Black-eared mantella: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Black-eared mantella: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–19 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–90 %
- 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
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar – a very small range
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Critically Endangered" – captive-bred animals only
- Brumation
- A cooler 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
Brilliant red-orange. Some authors treat it as a colour form of M. crocea. The natural range is tiny and badly threatened – wild-caught animals are not ethically defensible.
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
- Betsileo mantella (Mantella betsileo) – Beginner
- Cowan's mantella (Mantella cowanii) – Intermediate
- Yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) – Intermediate
- Golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) – Intermediate
- Green mantella (Mantella viridis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum) 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/Black-eared_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).