Golden Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) Care Sheet
A guide for keeping this large, highly terrestrial, and active frog. Captive-bred frogs are non-toxic.
1. Overview & Commitment
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Common Name: Golden Dart Frog, Phylobate (Focus on P. terribilis)
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Scientific Name: Phyllobates spp.
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Natural Habitat: Highly terrestrial, spending time foraging on the floor of humid rainforests in Colombia.
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Size: Very large, up to 5 cm (2 inches).
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Lifespan: 15 – 25+ years.
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Temperament: Bold, highly visible, and constantly foraging.
2. Vivarium/Enclosure
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Minimum Enclosure Size (Pair/Single): 60 x 45 x 45 cm (24 x 18 x 18 inches). Floor space is most important for these bold foragers.
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Enclosure Type: Glass terrariums with moderate screen top for slight ventilation.
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Structure: Abundant leaf litter and large cork bark flats, as they are often seen on the ground. Live plants should be robust to handle their size.
3. Substrate (Bioactive Setup)
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Layers: Mandatory drainage layer, thick soil/moss layer, and a deep layer of leaf litter.
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Cleanup Crew: Springtails and Isopods are essential.
4. Heating & Temperature
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Daytime Range (Crucial): 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 78°F).
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Nighttime Drop: Acceptable to drop to 18°C (65°F).
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Heat Safety: Do not exceed 28^\circ\text{C} (82^\circ\text{F}). Monitor closely, as their larger size can make them prone to overheating.
5. Lighting & UV
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Light: Full-spectrum LED grow light.
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UVB (Recommended): Low-level UVB (5-6% T5 tube) is beneficial.
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Photoperiod: 12 hours on/12 hours off.
6. Humidity & Hydration
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Ambient Humidity: Must be maintained between 80% and 100%.
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Misting: Automated or manual misting 2–3 times daily with RO or distilled water.
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Water Feature: A small, shallow dish or water feature is easily used by these robust frogs.
7. Diet & Feeding
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Staple Diet: Drosophila hydei (larger fruit flies) and small invertebrates.
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Supplemental Feeders: Pinhead crickets, springtails, and large isopods.
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Feeding Schedule: Offer food daily or every other day.
Supplementation:
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Calcium Powder (Pure): Dust fruit flies every feeding.
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Multivitamin: Dust fruit flies 1–2 times per week.
8. Handling & Maintenance
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Handling: Never handle. The boldest of the group, they are easily visible, reducing the need for handling.
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Social: Generally kept as established pairs (M/F) or singles. They are highly territorial and prone to aggression, especially between males.