Dyeing poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)

Short answers

Dyeing poison dart frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

A rainforest enclosure or paludarium from 50×50×50 cm for one pair; considerably larger for a group.

Dyeing poison dart frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–27 °C (not above ~28 °C), at night 20–23 °C (night-time drop).

Dyeing poison dart frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1) optional and recommended; not essential.

Dyeing poison dart frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–15 years (up to over 20).

Dyeing poison dart frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–27 °C (not above ~28 °C)

Night temperature

20–23 °C (night-time drop)

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–90 % by day, up to 100 % at night

UVB

Weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1) optional and recommended; not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

a rainforest enclosure or paludarium from 50×50×50 cm for one pair; considerably larger for a group

Substrate

A drainage layer plus forest floor, coco or sphagnum, dense planting (bromeliads), leaf litter, visual barriers

Feeding

Food

Small feeder animals: fruit flies (Drosophila), springtails, micro crickets, aphids – supplemented and dusted with calcium

Feeding interval

adults ~3×/week or several times a week, juveniles daily or more often

Key facts

Adult size

4–5 cm (large "Giant" morphs up to ~6 cm), females larger

Life expectancy

approx. 8–15 years (up to over 20)

Origin

The Guiana Shield: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, northern Brazil (note: the "Ecuador/Peru" figures given in some sources are wrong – that is the range of Epipedobates)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Species Protection Regulation Annex B; proof of origin and registration with the responsible authority are required

Brumation

No winter rest; possibly a slight dry or rainy season simulation to stimulate breeding

Cohabitation

Keeping a pair (1.1) is the least stressful option. Females are highly aggressive towards each other (dominance fights, suppression to the point of death) → never keep two females together, and no female-only groups either. Two males with one female (2.1) is possible in a large, well-structured tank, but: you have to watch whether one male is permanently pushed aside, and separate them if so.

Notes

Non-toxic in captivity because of the change of diet (the toxin comes from wild food); wash your hands all the same, and minimise handling. Common mistakes: too warm (above 28 °C is quickly fatal), groups of females (aggression), and an enclosure that is too small or monotonous. Diurnal, very colourful, and a robust beginner's poison dart frog.

Do you keep this species?

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

Dyeing poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) currently offered

• Dendrobates Tinctorius Cobalt – Cobalt · Bernau · 45 €
• Dendrobates Tinctorius Bruyère F2 – Bruyère · Bernau · 75 €
• Dendrobates Tinctorius Bruyère F2 Pärchen – Bruyère · Bernau · 200 €

See all listings in the marketplace →

Related species

• Blue poison dart frog (Dendrobates azureus) – Beginner to intermediate
• Yellow-banded poison dart frog (Dendrobates leucomelas) – Beginner
• Golden poison frog (Dendrobates nubeculosus) – Intermediate
• Green and black poison dart frog (Dendrobates auratus) – Beginner
• Yellow-striped poison frog (Dendrobates truncatus) – Beginner
• Yellow-bellied poison frog (Ameerega hahneli) – Intermediate
• Anthony's poison frog (Hyloxalus nexipus) – Intermediate
• Bassler's poison frog (Ameerega bassleri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Dyeing poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a rainforest enclosure or paludarium from 50×50×50 cm for one pair; considerably larger for a group), substrate (A drainage layer plus forest floor, coco or sphagnum, dense planting (bromeliads), leaf litter, visual barriers), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.