Amphibian · Dart frog
Mint terribilis care guide
Phyllobates terribilis 'Mint'
The mint terribilis is a beginner-level dart frog from Pacific coast of Colombia. Adults reach 4.5–5.5 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Pale green colour form of the golden poison frog; bold and good in groups.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–26°C
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a mint terribilis cost in Canada?
Mint terribilis quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 4.5–5.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Pacific coast of Colombia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 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, pinhead crickets, springtails
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Mint terribilis enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 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 mint terribilis eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails. Feed dusted fruit flies or pinheads every 1–2 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Bold and visible, but keep it a hands-off display frog.
Health watch: Spindly leg syndrome, vitamin A deficiency and obesity.
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 mint terribilis 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
Mint terribilis FAQ
Is the mint terribilis good for beginners?
Yes – the mint terribilis is a good choice for beginners. Bold and visible, but keep it a hands-off display frog.
What size enclosure does a mint terribilis need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a mint terribilis cost in Canada?
Typically $80–140 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 mint terribilis need?
Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a mint terribilis eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails. Feed dusted fruit flies or pinheads 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.