Amphibian · Terrestrial frog
Painted mantella care guide
Mantella madagascariensis
The painted mantella is a intermediate-level terrestrial frog from Eastern Madagascar. Adults reach 2.2–3 cm and live 6–10 years in captivity. Keep cool and humid with plenty of leaf litter; small groups.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 18–24°C, keep cool
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a painted mantella cost in Canada?
Painted mantella quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 2.2–3 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Eastern Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 18–24°C, keep cool
- Humidity
- 80–100%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Painted mantella enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 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 balls3 cm
Deep leaf litter (3–5 cm) matters more here than anything else: it’s where microfauna breed and frogs forage.
Temperature: 18–24°C, keep cool. Humidity: 80–100%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a painted mantella eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets. Feed dusted small insects daily or every other day.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off display frog.
Health watch: Overheating 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 painted mantella bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 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 Half Rounds
Shaded, humid retreat at floor level
Red Mekong Spiderwood
Perches and depth
Painted mantella FAQ
Is the painted mantella good for beginners?
The painted mantella is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off display frog.
What size enclosure does a painted mantella need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 5 can share; add about 25% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a painted mantella cost in Canada?
Typically $60–100 CAD to buy, about $260–490 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a painted mantella need?
Temperature: 18–24°C, keep cool. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a painted mantella eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets. Feed dusted small insects daily or every other day.
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.