Mary Allen
The poison dart frog, which is actually called the poison dart frog, is well known among exotic amphibians. On the one hand, this is due to its striking coloration, which makes it clearly visible in grasses and bushes. On the other hand, the frog produces a strong poison that can paralyze the body and even lead to death if touched. Because the Indians in Central and South America used to put this poison on their arrowheads, the poison dart frog also got the more common name “poison dart frog”.
For Purchase and Maintenance
It is possible to purchase poison dart frogs in Europe, but the small frogs are not always available in pet shops. However, poison dart frogs can be purchased from select breeders. Keeping them is a bit more demanding because the frogs are used to the circumstances of a jungle.
Unlike in the wild, poison dart frogs raised in terrariums are completely harmless. This is because they do not produce poison as their wild counterparts do. The frogs normally absorb the poison in small doses through their food and can excrete it in concentrated form through their skin. However, because the animals get different food in a terrarium, they do not produce any poison.
Terrarium Requirements
Poison dart frogs prefer terrariums in which they have enough space and hiding places. A terrarium size of 50cm x 50cm is sufficient for a pair of frogs. If the frogs are to be kept in a smaller group, the animals need significantly more space, because poison dart frogs are very territorial and would attack each other if unwanted conspecifics came too close. Temperatures in the terrarium should be between 20°C and 28°C. In addition, the animals need a lot of planting and comparatively high humidity. Only then do the poison dart frogs really feel at home.
Gender Differences
Differentiating the sexes of poison dart frogs is a bit tricky and requires some practice and a good eye. The males are usually slightly smaller than the females. In addition, the females have wider rumps. One can also examine the sound bladders or the throat pouch. In males, this is usually a little darker in color.
However, the differences between the sexes can only be clearly identified once the frogs reach sexual maturity. So this is only possible from the ninth month.
Feed and Nutrition
Poison dart frogs can only be fed live food. Fruit flies, small aphids, isopods, or similar arachnids and arthropods are suitable for this. However, only live food that has no toxic properties should be used. Otherwise, the frogs will develop their natural poison and accidental poisoning can occur when touched.
In addition, frozen food animals cannot be used. Poison dart frogs react to the movement of their food. If they don’t see movement, they won’t eat the food.
Habit and Handling
Poison dart frogs get used to a new environment relatively quickly if you give them time and don’t pressure them. If the conditions in the terrarium are right, it only takes a day or two before the frogs have settled in. In doing so, they also familiarize themselves with the other inhabitants of the terrarium in order to assess who counts as a potential enemy.
If the frogs don’t feel pressured, they are very peaceful and easy to get along with. However, if too many animals come together in a terrarium that is too small, there will be territorial disputes between the amphibians. Therefore, the groups of poison dart frogs should be kept small to ensure peace in the terrarium.