🐸 Blue Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius “azureus”) Care Sheet
A strikingly vibrant and active amphibian, perfect for naturalistic bioactive setups and group displays.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Adult Size: 1.5–2 inches
Enclosure Size: 45 x 45 x 45 cm (18 x 18 x 18") for a pair or small group
Temperament: Bold, active, and peaceful—best kept in groups of the same species

🏠 Enclosure

• Type: Tropical terrarium (bioactive ideal)

• Size: Minimum 18 x 18 x 18" for 2–3 frogs

• Style: Horizontal or cube-style, front-opening preferred

• Provide multiple hiding spots and visual barriers

🌿 Substrate & Décor

• Substrate: Bioactive layers (LECA drainage, barrier mesh, ABG soil mix)

• Top layer: Leaf litter and moss for humidity retention

• Décor: Logs, cork bark, live tropical plants (e.g. pothos, bromeliads, ferns)

• Include a clean-up crew (springtails, isopods) for maintenance

🌡️ Temperature & Heating

• Daytime: 22–26°C (72–78°F)

• Night: Can drop to 18–20°C (64–68°F)

• Avoid overheating—temps above 28°C (82°F) can be dangerous

• Room heating is often sufficient; use thermostat-controlled heating if needed

💡 Lighting

• Low UVB beneficial but not essential—5% T5 or LED plant grow lights recommended

• 12-hour light/dark cycle

• Full-spectrum light also supports live plants

💧 Humidity

• Ideal range: 80–100%

• Mist 1–2x daily or use an automated misting system

• Good ventilation is essential to avoid mould build-up

• Include a shallow water dish or damp micro-pool area

🥣 Diet

• Food: Flightless fruit flies, springtails, pinhead/small crickets, and small isopods

• Dust food with calcium (4–5x/week) and multivitamins (1x/week)

• Feed daily or every other day

⚠️ Handling & Behaviour

• Do not handle unless necessary — their delicate skin absorbs toxins and oils

• Display pets only

• Best kept in small groups (same species only)

• Active during the day and often visible

🧼 Cleaning

• Spot clean visible waste

• Monitor and maintain bioactive balance

• Top up substrate and leaf litter as needed

• Clean water dishes daily