Black-legged poison frog (Phyllobates bicolor)

Short answers

Black-legged poison frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×60 cm.

Black-legged poison frog: What temperature does it need?

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

Black-legged poison frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 2.0–5.0).

Black-legged poison frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 12–20 years.

Black-legged 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

19–22 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

85–95 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 2.0–5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×60 cm

Substrate

Drainage plus coco humus, moss, bromeliads, leaf litter

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, springtails

Feeding interval

adults daily

Key facts

Adult size

4,5–5,5 cm

Life expectancy

12–20 years

Origin

Western Colombia – rainforest

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping a pair (1.1) is the least stressful option and the easiest for breeding. A small group of similar-sized frogs works well in a sufficiently large tank with plenty of cover, as the species is tolerant and bold. Drawback: in breeding condition males wrestle over territories — then watch closely and separate if necessary.

Notes

The second most toxic poison dart frog in the wild – but captive-bred animals are non-toxic, since the toxin comes from wild prey. Buy captive-bred animals only. Very vocal.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Black-legged poison frog (Phyllobates bicolor) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Lovely poison frog (Phyllobates lugubris) – Intermediate
• Golden poison frog (Phyllobates terribilis) – Beginner to intermediate
• Golfodulcean poison frog (Phyllobates vittatus) – Beginner
• Kokoe poison frog (Phyllobates aurotaenia) – Intermediate
• Yellow-bellied poison frog (Ameerega hahneli) – Intermediate
• Anthony's poison frog (Hyloxalus nexipus) – Intermediate
• Bassler's poison frog (Ameerega bassleri) – Intermediate
• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya amazonica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Black-legged poison frog (Phyllobates bicolor) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×60 cm), substrate (Drainage plus coco humus, moss, bromeliads, leaf litter), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.