Amphibian · Dart frog
Golfodulcean poison frog care guide
Phyllobates vittatus
The golfodulcean poison frog is a beginner-level dart frog from Southwestern Costa Rica. Adults reach 2.5–3 cm and live 10–12 years in captivity. Small groups.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–26°C
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a golfodulcean poison frog cost in Canada?
Golfodulcean poison frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 2.5–3 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southwestern Costa Rica
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 24 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- 80–100%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Golfodulcean poison frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 5 can share; add about 25% 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 golfodulcean poison frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails. Feed dusted fruit flies every 1–2 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off display frog.
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 golfodulcean poison frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 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
Golfodulcean poison frog FAQ
Is the golfodulcean poison frog good for beginners?
Yes – the golfodulcean poison frog is a good choice for beginners. Hands-off display frog.
What size enclosure does a golfodulcean poison frog need?
At least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (about 18 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 24 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a golfodulcean poison frog cost in Canada?
Typically $60–100 CAD to buy, about $360–640 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a golfodulcean poison frog need?
Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a golfodulcean poison frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, 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.