Dart frogs are popular in the pet industry due to their small size, large variety of color variations, and generally easy care. They are docile and can be keep in large groups if provided enough space. Dart frogs live in extremely moist conditions and are often housed in paludariums, enclosures that are part aquatic and part terrestrial. This environment is ideal for creating unique and beautiful planted enclosures filled with cork tunnel runs for hiding and resting areas. It is also ideal for going bio-active as dart frogs consume springtails and isopods as staple food sources. Another reason these amphibians are so popular is they are active during they day, so unlike many reptile species you get to see them interact, and they present a great opportunity to teach children of many ages about science. Dart frogs can be used for biology labs to include food webs, metamorphosis, reproduction, habitat/geography and more.
Dart frogs begin their lives as eggs, hatching into tadpoles in a completely aquatic environment. As they morph into adults they will begin to grow legs and absorb their tail. When the process is finished they climb onto land and begin their lives as fully fledged frogs. (Although they will still have some growing to do!) They start by eating springtails and juvenile isopods and eventually graduate to fruit flies, and pin head crickets. Fun fact: Poison Dart frogs gain their toxins from their food in the wild – captive bred frogs do not contain poison and are safe, which is why they are commonly just called dart frogs now. Do not purchase or handle wild caught dart frogs. Dart frogs breathe and obtain moisture through their skin and require constant, high humidity. Their enclosures should include a water source, soil that is consistently moist, layers of leaf litter and sphagnum moss in addition to their hiding and climbing spaces, usually about 10 gallons on tank size per adult. Dart frogs like cooler temperatures and tend to live down in the cool shaded forest floor, rather than in the hot and steamy canopy areas. This is why they do not require special lighting other than what is needed for flora if in a planted enclosure. A fogger or misting system can be used to create necessary humidity. Note: dart frogs that are rarely seen, may be seeking out moisture. If frogs are not seen in the open areas of the enclosure, it could be to dry or drafty, increase humidity to encourage animals to utilize open areas.
Dart Frog
Dart Frog Information Care Sheet:
(Dart Frogs)
Springtails are perfect for Dart Frogs!
Difficulty: Beginner- Intermediate (care is relatively simple, but the animals require consistent attention in early stages as tadpoles and juvenile frogs can be very delicate. If given proper attention, food and conditions animals should thrive into hardy adults)
Size: around 1 inch as adult depending on variety
Lifespan: 4 – 9 years
Food Preferences: Springtails, isopods, fruit flies
Temperature Requirements: 72 – 80*F (prolonged exposure to 85*+ can be lethal)
Lighting: No special requirements (only necessary for planted tanks)
Breeding: Intermediate – breeding can be easily accomplished with a little time and effort, mostly suggested for those who have some experience due to high numbers of offspring and delicate nature of young.
Substrate: ½ – 1” layer aquarium gravel, 2-3” of moist peat moss/ coco coir, or soil mix covered in layer of leaf litter and sphagnum moss. If planted, or adding a water feature, a 1-2” drainage layer of clay balls, like Reptanicals Lower Layer, should be included as a base layer.
Humidity: 85-99%
Suggested Products: Springtails, Dwarf White Isopods, Powder orange isopods, Reptanicals Cleaner Crew Kit, Reptanicals Springtail Feast, Reptanicals Isopod Feast, Reptanicals Lower Layer:Drainage Media
