Madagascan mantella (Mantella madagascariensis)

Short answers

Madagascan mantella: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×40 cm.

Madagascan mantella: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–19 °C.

Madagascan mantella: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).

Madagascan mantella: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Madagascan 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, a thick layer of moss, leaf litter, a shallow water spot

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets

Feeding interval

daily

Key facts

Adult size

2.5–3 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Eastern Madagascar – montane rainforest

Protection status

CITES II

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

The most colourful species in the genus (black, green, orange, red). It needs permanently high humidity and coolness – summer heat indoors is the main problem.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Madagascan mantella (Mantella madagascariensis) in the marketplace →

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
• Black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum) – Intermediate
• Yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) – Intermediate
• Golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Madagascan mantella (Mantella madagascariensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus, a thick layer of 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.