Dendrobates Tinctorius Azureus Care Guide

Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Azureus’ Characteristics:

• Ideal for beginners
• Vibrant blue hue
• Confident demeanor – Bold
• Simple breeding process
• Soft, unobtrusive call
• Sizeable stature
• Can be raised in groups during youth but best in pairs during adulthood

Vivarium Recommendations:

• For housing 1-2 adult frogs, Dart Frog HQ recommends a minimum terrarium size of 18x18x18 inches. However, a 24x18x18 inch terrarium or larger is optimal for their well-being.
• Ideal substrate options include ABG mix combined with other bioactive layers. These substrates foster microfauna, essential for decomposition.
• Live plants? Here are some recommended kits (coming soon) with safe and easy-to-maintain plants.
• For a guide on vivarium setup, watch this video (coming soon).

Optimal Conditions:

• Temperature: Best between 65-80°F, ideally low to mid-70s. Above 85°F can be harmful.
• Humidity: Preferred range is 70-100%, but short spells down to 50% are tolerable if there’s water access. Prolonged low humidity can be fatal.

Physical Attributes:

• Size: Adult females average 2 inches, while males are around 1.5 inches.
• Age: Lifespan of 10 years in captivity, with some reaching over 20. In the wild, the average is 4-6 years.

Dietary Needs:

• Feed on smaller foods like Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adults also consume Drosophila hydei fruit flies and pinhead crickets. All food must be enriched with vitamin/mineral supplements.
• Learn more on feeding in our video (coming soon).

Sex Determination:

• Can be identified after 10-12 months. Males are generally smaller, with broader front toe pads. They also exhibit a less pronounced back arch.

Appearance:

• Predominantly blue with variations from deep to light sky blue. They possess a scattering of black spots, usually smaller than 1 cm.

Social Tendencies:

• Social during youth, given adequate space.
• Dynamics change post maturity (10-12 months), with possible aggression among females. Adult pairing is often recommended.
• Mixing different species/morphs is discouraged for the animals’ well-being.

Breeding:

• Simple and best done in pairs to prevent female confrontations. Eggs typically laid on broad leaves or under cocohuts, hatching into tadpoles that metamorphose in 60-80 days.
• Interested in breeding? Check our video (coming soon) for tips. Buying multiple frogs enhances pairing odds.

Habitat:

• Native to a restricted area in the Sipaliwini Savanna, southern Suriname. Found in ‘forest islands’ along streams. Interestingly, the captive population surpasses their historical wild count.