Difficulty Level
Intermediate. While R. uakarii is notably more resilient than other non-thumbnail species, its sensitivity to environmental changes poses a challenge. However, for those new to thumbnail frogs, R. uakarii is a commendable starter.
Origin & Historical Context
R. uakarii hails from the lowlands near Iquitos, Peru, specifically the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Communal Reserve on the Amazon River’s southern edge. Other variants with similar patterns but different colors have been found near Brazil’s border and the Rio Pachitea region near Pucallpa.
Description & Traits
These frogs are a part of the R. fantastica genetic group, sharing lineage with R. reticulata and R. ventrimaculatus^(2). A few key features include:
- Habitat: Lowland forests (~150 m above sea level).
- Appearance: Black base with red-orange lines along the sides and back. Notably, they sport a unique yellow stripe starting from the nose tip, extending beyond the front legs, and sometimes reaching the rear legs.
- Size: In the wild, both genders can grow up to 16.2 mm. However, in captivity, females might grow close to 20 mm, with males around 18 mm^(4).
- Distinctiveness: Various morphs might exist in the wild, but mixing them is discouraged due to potential unique characteristics.
Morph Types
The hobby categorizes these frogs primarily by their import history:
- R. uakarii ‘Understory Imports’ (RU-VTM): Imported to the US around 2007-2008, these frogs usually exhibit red-to-yellow stripes.
- R. uakarii ‘EU imports’: Initially traded in Europe and then in the US around 2004-2005, these frogs showcase wider copper stripes.
- R. uakarii “gold legs” (UE): This variant, created by Understory Enterprises, is characterized by its bright yellow/gold legs.
- R. uakarii ‘Pachitea’: Unique in the absence of the typical yellow stripe on their side. They’re differentiated from R. duellmani by a yellow stripe above their lip.
- US Red D. ventrimaculatus Imports: Previously imported to the US as Dendrobates ventrimaculatus during the late ’90s. The current status of these imports remains uncertain.
Caring for R. uakarii
Diet mainly comprises small creatures like springtails, baby isopods, and melanogaster fruit flies. When setting up a habitat, ensure:
- Adequate space: A tank of at least 18 x 18 x 24 inches is recommended.
- Proper landscape: Include leaf litter, a variety of plants, and bromeliads.
- Climbing and hiding spots: Ensuring these will lead to more active and outgoing frogs.
Breeding & Young Care
- Optimal Pairing: 1 male and 1 female.
- Mating Rituals: The male’s call attracts the female, leading to a unique display of jerky hops around the enclosure.
- Egg Laying: Typically between leaves or bromeliads, with 3-10 eggs in a cluster.
- Tadpole Care: Similar to other thumbnails, with a diet of tadpole bites or fish food. They develop colors early on, and as juveniles, they thrive in containers with thick leaf litter.
