A Guide to Keeping Dart Frogs

Dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) are one of the most visually striking amphibians available in the pet trade. With their vibrant colours, small size, and fascinating behaviours, they make an excellent choice for experienced reptile and amphibian keepers. However, despite their beauty, dart frogs require specific care to thrive in captivity.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping dart frogs, including species selection, enclosure setup, feeding, and common health concerns.

Understanding Dart Frogs: Species & Toxicity

Dart frogs are small, terrestrial amphibians native to the rainforests of Central and South America. In the wild, they are famous for their toxic skin secretions, which they acquire from their diet of ants and other small invertebrates. However, captive-bred dart frogs are completely non-toxic as they do not consume the same diet in captivity.

Some of the most commonly kept species include:

• Dendrobates tinctorius – Comes in various colour morphs, such as "Azureus" and "Patricia."
• Dendrobates auratus – Known for their metallic green and black patterning.
• Dendrobates leucomelas – Also called the bumblebee dart frog, yellow and black in colour.
• Ranitomeya species – Smaller, more arboreal dart frogs with intricate patterns.

If you’re a beginner, Dendrobates tinctorius or Dendrobates leucomelas are ideal choices as they are hardier and more forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes.

Legal Considerations in the UK

Dart frogs are legal to keep in the UK, and no special licensing is required for most species. However, always ensure that you purchase your frogs from a reputable breeder or pet shop with a focus on ethical, captive-bred specimens.

Wild-caught dart frogs are both difficult to acclimate and contribute to habitat destruction, so always opt for captive-bred frogs.

Setting Up a Dart Frog Vivarium

A well-designed enclosure is crucial for the health and happiness of your dart frogs. Unlike many amphibians, dart frogs do not require standing water for swimming but do need high humidity.

Choosing the Right Vivarium

• Size – A 45x45x45 cm (18x18x18 inches) glass terrarium is ideal for a small group of frogs.
• Material – Glass is preferred as it holds humidity well and allows for good visibility.
• Lid – A glass or mesh lid with ventilation to prevent excessive humidity buildup.

Substrate & Planting

Dart frogs thrive in bioactive enclosures with live plants, microfauna (such as springtails and isopods), and a layered substrate.

• Substrate Layers:

  1. Drainage Layer – Hydroballs or clay balls to prevent waterlogging.
  2. Barrier Layer – A mesh to separate the drainage layer from the soil.
  3. Soil Layer – A mix of coco fibre, sphagnum moss, and orchid bark.

• Plants: Bromeliads, ferns, pothos, and mosses provide climbing opportunities and cover.

Humidity & Temperature

• Humidity: 80-100% (achieved via misting 1-2 times daily).
• Temperature: 22-26°C (72-78°F).
• Lighting: LED plant lighting with a 12-hour light cycle (no UVB required but beneficial for plant growth).

Water & Misting

Dart frogs absorb moisture through their skin, so a mist system or manual misting is necessary to maintain high humidity. Always use dechlorinated or RO (reverse osmosis) water to prevent harm from tap water chemicals.

Feeding Your Dart Frogs

Dart frogs are insectivores and require a steady diet of small live invertebrates.

Staple Diet

• Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei) – The primary food source.
• Springtails – Great for froglets and for maintaining a bioactive setup.
• Pinhead crickets – Occasionally offered.
• Isopods – Small species can be beneficial as supplementary food.

Supplementation

Because captive diets lack the diversity of wild insects, it is essential to dust prey with supplements:

• Calcium with D3 – 2-3 times per week.
• Multivitamin – Once a week.

Feed your frogs daily, providing enough food for them to eat within 30 minutes.

Handling & Interaction

Dart frogs are display pets rather than animals to be handled. Their delicate skin is highly absorbent, making them susceptible to contaminants, oils, and chemicals from human hands.

If handling is necessary (e.g., for health checks or tank maintenance), wear powder-free nitrile gloves and keep contact to a minimum.

Common Health Issues

Dart frogs are generally hardy when kept correctly, but they are susceptible to some common health issues:

• Dehydration – If humidity is too low, frogs may become lethargic or develop shedding problems.
• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) – Caused by calcium deficiency; preventable with proper supplementation.
• Bacterial/Fungal Infections – Usually due to poor hygiene or stagnant conditions.
• Chytrid Fungus – A serious disease affecting amphibians worldwide; always quarantine new frogs for at least 30 days before introducing them to an existing enclosure.

Buying Dart Frogs in the UK

When purchasing dart frogs, always buy from a reputable breeder or specialist exotic pet store. Some recommended sources include:

• Online Reptile Stores – Check for reviews and ethical breeding practices.
• Reptile Expos – UK reptile shows sometimes feature specialist frog breeders.
• Private Breeders – Often the best source for well-raised, healthy frogs.

Expect to pay between £40-£100 per frog, depending on species and morph.

Is a Dart Frog Right for You?

Dart frogs make rewarding and visually stunning pets, but they require careful attention to humidity, diet, and enclosure maintenance. They are best suited for experienced reptile or amphibian keepers or those willing to do extensive research.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that enjoys handling, a dart frog may not be the right choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a proper bioactive setup and enjoy observing natural behaviours, they can be a fantastic addition to your home.