Yellow mantella (Mantella crocea)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) (origin: Eastern Madagascar). Adult size around 2–2,5 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yellow mantella: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×40×40 cm.
Yellow mantella: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–19 °C.
Yellow mantella: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Yellow mantella: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Yellow 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, moss, leaf litter, a shallow water spot
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets
- Feeding interval
- daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 2–2,5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Vulnerable"
- 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
Lemon-yellow to greenish with black flanks. Like all Mantella species, keep it cool; the colour intensity depends strongly on carotenoids in the food.
Do you keep this species?
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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
- Golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) – Intermediate
- Green mantella (Mantella viridis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Yellow mantella (Mantella crocea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus, 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.
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/Mantella, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_mantella
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).