Brazil-nut poison frog (Adelphobates castaneoticus)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Brazil-nut poison frog (Adelphobates castaneoticus) (origin: Northern Brazil – Pará). Adult size around 2–2,5 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Brazil-nut poison frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×45×50 cm.
Brazil-nut poison frog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–27 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Brazil-nut poison frog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Brazil-nut poison frog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Brazil-nut poison frog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–90 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×45×50 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, leaf litter, half coconut shells as larval pools
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, springtails
- Feeding interval
- daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 2–2,5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Northern Brazil – Pará
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- A pair or small group (e.g. 1.2) both work well - Adelphobates species like this one are considered calm and low in aggression towards each other. Only combine animals of similar size, so smaller ones do not fall behind at feeding.
Notes
In the wild it uses empty Brazil nut shells as a nursery – half coconut shells work in the terrarium. Black with white-blue dots, and a very calm temperament.
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Related species
- Golden poison frog (Adelphobates quinquevittatus) – Intermediate
- Splash-backed poison frog (Adelphobates galactonotus) – 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
- Poison frogs (Ranitomeya imitator) – Beginner to intermediate
- Poison frogs (Ranitomeya variabilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Brazil-nut poison frog (Adelphobates castaneoticus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×45×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus, leaf litter, half coconut shells as larval pools), 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: http://poisondartfrogs.ecuatoria.com/adelphobates-galactonotus/, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelphobates_castaneoticus, https://reptilesmagazine.com/beginners-guide-to-poison-frog-care/
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).