Poison frogs (Ranitomeya imitator)

Short answers

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

40 × 40 × 60 cm for a pair.

Poison frogs: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–26 °C, at night down to ~20 °C (drop of 4–6 °C).

Poison frogs: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Optional (weak plant or UVB lighting).

Poison frogs: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–15 years.

Poison frogs: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–26 °C

Night temperature

down to ~20 °C (drop of 4–6 °C)

Basking spot

—

Humidity

80–90 % by day, ~100 % at night

UVB

Optional (weak plant or UVB lighting)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40 × 40 × 60 cm for a pair

Substrate

A rainforest setup with drainage, leaf litter, moss, bromeliads

Feeding

Food

The smallest food: fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets

Feeding interval

Daily to several times a week, dusted with vitamins and calcium

Key facts

Adult size

~2 cm (up to 22 mm)

Life expectancy

8–15 years

Origin

Northern Peru, rainforest

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B, registration required

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

In pairs, monogamous and territorial; no 2 males in a small enclosure. 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.

Notes

A good beginner's thumbnail. Captive-bred animals are non-toxic (the toxin comes from the wild diet). High humidity plus good ventilation are needed.

Do you keep this species?

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

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Related species

• Poison frogs (Ranitomeya amazonica) – 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 imitator) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40 × 40 × 60 cm for a pair), substrate (A rainforest setup with drainage, leaf litter, moss, bromeliads), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.