Poison frogs (Ranitomeya amazonica)

Short answers

Poison frogs: How big does the enclosure need to be?

45×45×60 cm for a pair, taller than it is wide; markedly larger for a group.

Poison frogs: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–26 °C, at night 21–22 °C.

Poison frogs: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Optional.

Poison frogs: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Poison frogs: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–26 °C

Night temperature

21–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 % by day, ~100 % at night

UVB

Optional

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×45×60 cm for a pair, taller than it is wide; markedly larger for a group

Substrate

Rainforest with bromeliads, leaf litter, moss

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets

Feeding interval

Daily to several times a week, dusted

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 1.6–1.9 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Northeast Peru, lowland rainforest around Iquitos, 0–200 m

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B, registration required

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A pair (1.1) is the least stressful; males are territorial. A small group is possible in a large, densely planted tank, but rival animals, females included, can suppress one another, and a subordinate frog then stops eating. Raise juveniles separately from adults — not because they would be eaten, these frogs are far too small for that, but because the larger ones reach the food first and the small ones fall behind. Provide enough hiding places so every animal can retreat, and feed separately when sizes differ.

Notes

A tiny frog with a high humidity requirement. Captive-bred animals are non-toxic; bromeliads matter for breeding.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya imitator) – Beginner to intermediate
• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya variabilis) – Intermediate
• Red-headed poison frog (Ranitomeya fantastica) – Intermediate
• Yellow-striped poison frog (Ranitomeya flavovittata) – Intermediate
• Reticulated poison frog (Ranitomeya reticulata) – Intermediate
• Blessed poison frog (Ranitomeya benedicta) – Intermediate
• Sira poison frog (Ranitomeya sirensis) – Intermediate
• Summers' poison frog (Ranitomeya summersi) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Poison frogs (Ranitomeya amazonica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm for a pair, taller than it is wide; markedly larger for a group), substrate (Rainforest with bromeliads, leaf litter, moss), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.