Marañón poison frog (Excidobates mysteriosus)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Marañón poison frog (Excidobates mysteriosus) (origin: Northern Peru – only a tiny range near Santa Rosa). Adult size around 2.5–3 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Marañón poison frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×50 cm.
Marañón poison frog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 18–21 °C.
Marañón poison frog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Marañón poison frog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Marañón poison frog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–95 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×50 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, leaf litter, bromeliads, film canisters
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, springtails
- Feeding interval
- daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 2.5–3 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Northern Peru – only a tiny range near Santa Rosa
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Endangered"
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping a pair is least stressful, as males call loudly and territorially. Only acquire documented captive-bred animals - the natural range is tiny and endangered.
Notes
Black with white-blue spots. In the wild it uses water-filled bromeliads and palm fronds. The range is extremely small – buy only documented captive-bred animals.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Rio Santiago poison frog (Excidobates captivus) – 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
- Blue poison dart frog (Dendrobates azureus) – Beginner to intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Marañón poison frog (Excidobates mysteriosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus, leaf litter, bromeliads, film canisters), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excidobates_mysteriosus, https://reptilesmagazine.com/beginners-guide-to-poison-frog-care/, https://www.thebiodude.com/blogs/frog-caresheets/keeping-poison-dart-frogs-as-pets-and-bioactive-terrarium-maintenance
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).