Dyeing Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)

• COMMON GROUP Poison Dart Frogs
• COMMON NAME Dyeing Dart Frog, Tintorious, Tinc
• Scientific Name: Dendrobates tinctorious
• Size: 2”
• Distribution: South America; Parts of Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, and French Guiana

NATURAL HISTORY

D. tinctorious is one of the largest and most variable of all dart (arrow) frog species. These bold and active frogs are found throughout the Eastern Guyana Shield of South America. Across their wide natural range, this species typically inhabits lowland rainforests, but are also found in isolated “island” forests separated from neighboring populations by miles of moist savannah.

Color and pattern schemes vary tremendously amongst geographical populations, resulting in dozens of “morphs” or locales of the species. These variants are often identified in the hobby by names such as “Cobalt,” “Powder Blue,” and “Citronella,” among many others. A base color of black, accented by varying degrees of blue, yellow, and even green typify most tinctorious morphs.

Usually found near the ground, D. tinctorious inhabits the leaf litter of the forest floor, occasionally ascending tree roots and similar structures in search of food and shelter. These frogs are fond of water and are known to establish home ranges near bodies of water such as brooks or seasonal ponds.

Like many dart frog species, D. tinctorious is abundant in its native land. Despite the ready availability of imported specimens, the vast majority of tincs encountered in the trade are domestically produced by dedicated breeders and hobbyists.

SIZE AND LONGEVITY

As mentioned above, D. tinctorious is one of the largest dart frog species. Females are generally longer and of heavier build than males. Average adult size is around 2 inches, with specimens of particular geographic origin attaining both smaller and larger adult size.

Recent advances in our understanding of arrow frog husbandry and natural history have greatly improved the overall success among frog keepers with all levels of experience. Tincs can be expected to live over 10 years in captivity. Longer life spans are not out of the question, especially as our knowledge base continues to grow.

HOUSING

Front-opening glass terrariums are perfectly suited for keeping dart frogs. Glass reptile tanks with screen lids are also acceptable. The dart frog enclosure should be escape proof, appropriately sized, and capable of maintaining proper temperatures and humidity within.

Juvenile frogs can be raised in groups, however once maturity is reached, tincs are best kept either singly, in male-female pairs, or in breeding groups consisting of a single female and multiple males.

Approximately 1 square foot of space should be allotted for each frog in the enclosure. More space is always better than too little, and it should be mentioned that wood, plants, and other décor can functionally increase livable space within a terrarium of a given size.

Large, elaborate vivaria featuring live plants, water features, and a small colony of tincs can easily become the centerpiece of any living space.

HEATING AND LIGHTING

As a tropical species, D. tinctorious should be maintained between 70 and 80 degrees during the day, and no less than 65 degrees at night. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85 degrees can be stressful for most amphibians, and even higher temperatures may quickly prove fatal to arrow frogs.

During the warmer months of the year, most keepers will not need to provide any form of supplemental heat to their frogs. However, in the winter, or in cooler regions, the use of an under tank heat pad (designed specifically for reptile use) or a low wattage nocturnal (red or purple) bulb may be required.

Because these frogs are found mostly on the rainforest floor, the sunlight that they receive is often mottled and indirect. However, some consistent source of quality light is highly recommended for raising this species, and a necessity if you intend to keep live plants in the terrarium.

A high output, full spectrum bulb that produces moderate (2-5%) levels of ultraviolet light is ideal. These fluorescent bulbs should be the length of the entire enclosure and be bright enough to provide a consistent photoperiod and to support plant life. When using any light source other than ambient light from the room, make sure to provide ample shaded hiding spots for the terrarium inhabitants.

SUBSTRATE AND FURNISHINGS

The substrate(s) used for dart frogs should be one that promotes high humidity within the enclosure. Coconut husk products are ideal, and they can be mixed or layered with other types of barks, mulches, and gravel to create a blend that suits the needs of the specific habitat type, while also being aesthetically pleasing to the keeper.

The addition of a top layer of high quality sphagnum moss is recommended to further aid in maintaining humidity. This substrate can be added in clumps, or put down as an entire layer of substrate. Special attention should be paid to keeping the moss fresh and damp.

If live plants are going to be incorporated into the habitat design, a bottom drainage layer of gravel or porous clay hydro balls should be included. This 1-2” layer should be separated from the upper substrates by terrarium mesh or cotton poly foam. Excess water from misting and plant watering will collect in this basin, preventing the coco substrate from becoming overly saturated.

Live or artificial plants should be included in the set-up as they serve as natural hiding spots as well as providing visual barriers for enclosures housing multiple animals. Other decorations can include pieces of driftwood and African hardwoods, cork flats and rounds, naturalistic rock caves, coconut hiding spots, , and various other natural decor.

Water and Humidity

A small, shallow water bowl should always be provided for arrow frogs. The water should be shallow enough to allow for easy entry and exit by the terrarium inhabitants

Water quality is important, and bottled or spring water should be used if possible. This not only ensures that your frogs will not be exposed to any contaminants present in tap water, but will also not cause water spots on the terrarium glass as a result of frequent spraying. Additionally, the water should be replaced everyday, and the bowl disinfected once a week to prevent any threat of bacterial infection.

Humidity for this species should be high, optimally above 80%. Use of appropriate substrates and water bowls aid greatly in creating humidity, but regular misting of the entire enclosure with room temperature water will be required. In most situations, misting twice daily will suffice. This schedule may need to be adjusted based on ambient humidity, temperature, and ventilation within the cage.

Nutrition

As adults, D. tinctorious will eat a variety of small insect prey including pinhead crickets. Smaller animals will require smaller food items, with flightless fruit flies serving as the staple diet for nearly all captive arrow frogs. Even large animals will relish these insects over any other type of prey.

These small frogs have fast metabolisms and subsequently big appetites. Food should be offered food at least twice a day until adult size is reached. Adults can be fed slightly less frequently (once a day) as long as they are offered as many prey items as they will readily consume in one sitting. Depending on the size of fruit fly being fed, between 20-30 flies per feeding should be expected.

Prey should regularly be dusted with a high quality calcium/vitamin D3 supplement designed for reptiles and amphibians. A reptile multivitamin should be used as well, but as formulas differ, the manufacturers directions should be followed regarding how much and how often.

Handling

Dart frogs as a group have evolved bright, flashy colors to warn potential predators of their foul taste and toxic skin secretions. Fortunately, captive bred arrow frogs, as well as those that have been in captivity for a short period of time, lose all traces of these toxins. In nature these frogs eat particular species of insects (mostly ants) that in turn have fed on specific plants, and from the amino acids within these the frogs synthesize said toxins.

That said, these frogs still should not be viewed as a handling pet. Frogs, which in general do not tolerate the stress of handling well, also have delicate skin that can be damaged by rough handling or prolonged exposure to dry surfaces. Additionally, there is a chance of a mild reaction to their skin secretions should it be ingested or come in contact with a mucous membrane.

Dart frogs are best treated as tropical aquarium fish when it comes to hands-on interaction. Their stunning beauty is best enjoyed from the other side of the glass. If these limitations are acceptable, then the unique and fascinating behaviors of D. tinctorious can become the focus of their keeping.