Amphibian · Dart frog
Black-legged poison frog care guide
Phyllobates bicolor
The black-legged poison frog is a intermediate-level dart frog from Western Colombia. Adults reach 3.5–4.5 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Small groups.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–26°C
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a black-legged poison frog cost in Canada?
Black-legged poison frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 3.5–4.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Western Colombia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- 80–100%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Black-legged poison frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical forest floor bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Deep leaf litter (3–5 cm) matters more here than anything else: it’s where microfauna breed and frogs forage.
Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 80–100%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a black-legged poison frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails. Feed dusted fruit flies every 1–2 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off display frog; can be shy at first.
Health watch: Spindly leg syndrome and vitamin A deficiency.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist 1–3 times to keep humidity in range; glass should clear partly between mistings.
- Check temperature – most tropical species are stressed above 27–28°C.
Weekly
- Feed and remove uneaten food.
- Check the drainage layer through the glass and remove water before it reaches the soil.
- Prune plants that block the front glass.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter as it breaks down.
- Check springtail and isopod numbers; reseed from a culture if they look sparse.
- Clean misting nozzles and wipe light covers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top few centimetres of soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on the manufacturer’s schedule.
Recommended for a black-legged poison frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sheet Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Climbing surface and planting wall
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Shaded, humid retreat at floor level
Red Mekong Spiderwood
Perches and depth
Black-legged poison frog FAQ
Is the black-legged poison frog good for beginners?
The black-legged poison frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off display frog; can be shy at first.
What size enclosure does a black-legged poison frog need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a black-legged poison frog cost in Canada?
Typically $70–120 CAD to buy, about $420–730 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a black-legged poison frog need?
Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a black-legged poison frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails. Feed dusted fruit flies every 1–2 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.