Amphibian · Dart frog

Moonshine splash-backed poison frog care guide

Adelphobates galactonotus 'Moonshine'

IntermediateCITES – buy captive-bred

The moonshine splash-backed poison frog is a intermediate-level dart frog from Eastern Amazon of Brazil. Adults reach 3.5–4.2 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Pale cream-yellow galactonotus morph; pairs. Do not mix with other morphs.

  • Enclosure 45 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Temp 22–27°C
  • Humidity 80–100%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a moonshine splash-backed poison frog cost in Canada?

Animal$120–220Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$360–640Enclosure $160–310 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $140
Yearly upkeep$200–400Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$680–1260All prices CAD, estimates

Moonshine splash-backed poison frog quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
3.5–4.2 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
Eastern Amazon of Brazil
Minimum enclosure
45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 24 US gal)
Housing
Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
22–27°C
Humidity
80–100%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets
Bioactive style
Tropical forest floor

Moonshine splash-backed poison frog enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (18 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical forest floor bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
  3. 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: 22–27°C. Humidity: 80–100%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a moonshine splash-backed poison frog eat?

Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets. 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 moonshine splash-backed poison frog bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 45 cm).

Clay Bio Balls Clay Bio Balls Drainage layer, 4 cm Qty: 1 × 3L + 1 × 7Lfrom $14.99 Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm Qty: 1 × 20Lfrom $12.99 Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 2 packs$12.99 Fresh Sheet Moss Container Fresh Sheet Moss Container Moss for humidity pockets and planting Qty: 1$19.99 Cork Bark Backgrounds Cork Bark Backgrounds Climbing surface and planting wall Qty: 1 × 18 × 18 infrom $37.99 Cork Bark Half Rounds Cork Bark Half Rounds Shaded, humid retreat at floor level Qty: 1 × Smallfrom $8.99 Red Mekong Spiderwood Red Mekong Spiderwood Perches and depth Qty: 1 × Medium · optionalfrom $24.99

Moonshine splash-backed poison frog FAQ

Is the moonshine splash-backed poison frog good for beginners?

The moonshine splash-backed poison frog is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off display frog.

What size enclosure does a moonshine splash-backed poison frog need?

At least 45 × 45 × 45 cm (about 18 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 24 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a moonshine splash-backed poison frog cost in Canada?

Typically $120–220 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 moonshine splash-backed poison frog need?

Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 80–100%.

What does a moonshine splash-backed poison frog eat?

Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets. Feed dusted fruit flies every 1–2 days.

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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.