Amphibian · Dart frog
Green and black dart frog care guide
Dendrobates auratus
The green and black dart frog is a beginner-level dart frog from Nicaragua to Colombia (introduced in Hawaii). Adults reach 2.5–4 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Bold and does well in small groups.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 21–26°C
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a green and black dart frog cost in Canada?
Green and black dart frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 2.5–4 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Nicaragua to Colombia (introduced in Hawaii)
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 24 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 21–26°C
- Humidity
- 80–100%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Green and black dart frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 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: 21–26°C. Humidity: 80–100%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a green and black dart frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets. Feed dusted fruit flies every 1–2 days; froglets daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off display frog; move with a cup when needed.
Health watch: Spindly leg syndrome, vitamin A deficiency and chytrid in untested stock.
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 green and black dart 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
Green and black dart frog FAQ
Is the green and black dart frog good for beginners?
Yes – the green and black dart frog is a good choice for beginners. Hands-off display frog; move with a cup when needed.
What size enclosure does a green and black dart frog need?
At least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (about 18 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 24 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a green and black dart frog cost in Canada?
Typically $40–70 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 green and black dart frog need?
Temperature: 21–26°C. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a green and black dart frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets. Feed dusted fruit flies every 1–2 days; froglets daily.
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.