Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these poisonous?

Captive bred dart frogs are NOT toxic. Due to the diet in captivity they are not capable of creating the strong toxins that their wild caught relatives carry.

 

2. Can I hold them?

You can, but they dont like it. Frogs are like fish, best to just be observed doing their thing.

 

3. How long do they live?

This is a very open question. We are really just finding out. But I have seen a friends pair of auratus breeding at 22 yrs in captivity. They were adults when he got them!

 

4. What do they eat?

Fruit flies are the most common food. Easy to set up, affordable and available at most shows. They will also eat pinhead crickets, termites, isopods, bean beetles.. The list can go on and on.

 

5. How much will they eat?

They will eat until they're full.. They will also free feed all day. So the basic rule is to always see some bugs moving about in the plants. But not so many that it looks like your frog is about to be run over by them.

 

6. Do they need a pond of water in their tank?

No, a shallow pool is plenty. A petri dish, a curved leaf that holds a tbs of water, a film canister as well. Too deep and your frog will drown.

 

7. Where are they from?

Darts are from south/central america.

 

8. Can I mix them all up?

This is the question that gets the most attention from those in the hobby. Its also one that makes liars out of many of us. The good, the bad..and the ugly. I personely know of several "big shots" in the hobby who attack when they hear of this yet enjoy mixed tanks themselves.

My view?

You can do whatever you want with your frogs. But what you do and what you hear may not result in the same outcome. I have kept mixed tanks, had some great tanks with happy frogs and i've had some issues. Having the experience helps, but doesnt guarantee anything.

 

9. Do my frogs need all that special lighting?

This one is also open for some debate. I think that if the frogs tank is recieving good lights for the plants and their food is being dusted, they are healthy.

 

10. Why are they so expensive?

Dart frogs take a lot of time to raise from eggs. No matter how you keep your tads, it still takes time. It can take up to 6 or 7 months to get a frog to be 2 or 3 months out of the water.

 

11. How do I set them up?

First, research. Lots of research. Get on the frog forums and learn from other froggers attempts. Develop an idea that you feel confident in, one that you are sure you can do. Then go for it. I tell people to think, forest floor meets the edge of a creek. So many supplies available to the hobby today! A layer for drainage, like hydroton balls. Soil mix. Leaf litter, plants. Look at several pics, take your time.