Click Here
to view printable version.
Blue
Dart Frog (Dendrobates
azureus)
Blue
dart frogs are small
brightly colored blue frogs
only reaching 1.5 inches
when fully grown. They are
only found in southern
Suriname, which is located
South America. The natural
range of these frogs is very
small. It is believed that
they only inhabit an area in
Suriname that is roughly the
size of a couple of football
fields. In the wild these
frogs can be found near
water and inhabit moist dark
areas. Wild dart frogs
secrete a substance on their
skin that, when ingested,
can kill predators. These
toxins are found in the
native insects that the frog
eats and the chemicals are
absorbed into the skin of
the frog to use as their
defense. In captivity, dart
frogs lose their toxicity
due to their diet of captive
insects. Blue dart frogs
are territorial and will
fight with each other to
defend their territory
against any rivals.
Breeding begins during the
raining season and females
will follow the calls of
males. If multiple females
show up to the males calls
they will fight with each
other. Once mating takes
place the pair will produce
up to ten eggs. The eggs
will become tadpoles after
two weeks and will develop
into frogs within three
months.
Temperature
Blue dart
frogs need to be maintained
between 75-80 degrees during
the day. Nighttime
temperatures can drop into
the low 70’s. During the
summertime you probably
won’t need any supplemental
heating. However, during
the winter months you should
probably use a low wattage
heat light. A red or other
dark colored light can be
used at night and these
lights will not disturb your
frogs day and night cycle. UVB lighting is not
necessary but is recommended
for dart frogs. The UVB
light will benefit any live
plants and enhance the
colors of your frogs.
Humidity is important and
you should mist your cage
everyday. Ideally, the
humidity needs to be
maintained between 80-90
percent.
Housing
Dart frogs
can be housed comfortably in
20-29 gallon or larger
terrariums. The cage should
include plants (live or
silk), branches and a water
bowl. Do not use distilled
or purified water for any
amphibians. Never place a
cage near a window where
sunlight can directly shine
on your cage. Cages placed
in direct sunlight can
easily overheat and
ultimately lead to the death
of your frog.
Bedding
We recommend
using bark, Zoo Meds’ Eco
Earth, or coconut bark. The
substrate should be deep
enough for potted plants if
you choose to setup a live
vivarium.
Food
Dart frogs should be fed
appropriate sized crickets
and fruit flies. Ideally,
you should feed your dart
frogs 3-5 times each week.
These frogs also need a
vitamin/mineral supplement
and you should dust its
crickets at least twice a
week.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. Fresh
clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Dart frogs should
not be handled, its better
to watch them and enjoy the
behavior of these beautiful
frogs.