Vanzolini's poison frog (Ranitomeya vanzolinii)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Vanzolini's poison frog (Ranitomeya vanzolinii) (origin: Eastern Peru, western Brazil). Adult size around 1,6–1,9 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Vanzolini's poison frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×40×50 cm.
Vanzolini's poison frog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 19–22 °C.
Vanzolini's poison frog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Vanzolini's poison frog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Vanzolini's poison frog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–95 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×40×50 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, leaf litter, bamboo tubes and film canisters, bromeliads
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, springtails
- Feeding interval
- daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 1,6–1,9 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Peru, western Brazil
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep as a permanent pair: this species forms a genuine monogamous pair bond in which both parents jointly tend the tadpoles and the female feeds them unfertilised nutrient eggs. A third animal seriously disrupts the bond and thus parental care, so do not keep in groups.
Notes
Black with yellow dots. It forms genuine pair bonds: both parents care for the larvae together, and the female feeds nutritive eggs. A third animal in the terrarium seriously disrupts breeding.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Vanzolini's poison frog (Ranitomeya vanzolinii) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Poison frogs (Ranitomeya amazonica) – Intermediate
- 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
What you need to start
To keep Vanzolini's poison frog (Ranitomeya vanzolinii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus, leaf litter, bamboo tubes and film canisters, 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranitomeya_vanzolinii, https://joshsfrogs.com/care-sheet/dendrobates-ventrimaculatus-ranitomeya-ventrimaculata, https://reptilesmagazine.com/beginners-guide-to-poison-frog-care/
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).