Dendrobates Auratus Green & Black Dart Frog Care Guide

Dendrobates auratus ‘Costa Rican Green & Black’ Characteristics

• Perfect for beginners
• Distinct green and black coloration
• Generally bold behavior
• Breeding is straightforward
• Quiet vocalizations
• Large in size
• Suitable for group housing

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 1.5 inches, while males are slightly smaller at around 1.25 inches.
• Age: In captivity, they can live over 20 years, though 10 years is typical. Wild lifespan is believed to be 4-6 years.

Dietary Needs:

• Prefer smaller foods. Juveniles love Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adults can eat Drosophila hydei fruit flies and pinhead crickets. Also, they relish springtails and isopods. Ensure all food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Learn more on feeding in our video (coming soon).

Sex Determination:

• Identifiable around 10-12 months. Males are usually smaller with wider front toe pads and a less obvious back arch.

Appearance:

• Iconic green and black contrast. The intensity of green can differ, ranging from yellowish-green to deep forest green. The pattern often resembles camouflage but can sometimes manifest as spots or stripes.

Social Tendencies:

• Can be housed in groups, given sufficient space. However, as they mature, females might become aggressive towards each other. Breeding pairs are often recommended.
• Mixing different species/morphs can be detrimental to their well-being. It’s best avoided.

Breeding:

• Relatively easy. They might lay eggs frequently or take breaks between clutches.
• Typically, eggs are laid on broad leaves or under cocohuts. Eggs develop into tadpoles, which metamorphose into miniature adults in 60-80 days.
• Interested in breeding? Check our video (coming soon) for tips. Buying multiple frogs enhances pairing odds.

Habitat:

• Native to Costa Rica. The exact regions are uncertain, but they’re usually found in humid lowlands, often near streams.