Amphibian · Dart frog
Red-backed poison frog care guide
Ranitomeya reticulata
The red-backed poison frog is a advanced-level dart frog from Peruvian Amazon. Adults reach 1.2–1.6 cm and live 8–10 years in captivity. One of the smallest darts; seal every gap and offer springtails freely.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 21–25°C
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a red-backed poison frog cost in Canada?
Red-backed poison frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 1.2–1.6 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Peruvian Amazon
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 21–25°C
- Humidity
- 80–100%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – fruit flies (melanogaster), springtails
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Red-backed poison frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 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.
- 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: 21–25°C. Humidity: 80–100%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red-backed poison frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies (melanogaster), springtails. Feed dusted small fruit flies daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and fast; strictly hands-off.
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 red-backed poison frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 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
Red-backed poison frog FAQ
Is the red-backed poison frog good for beginners?
The red-backed poison frog is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Tiny and fast; strictly hands-off.
What size enclosure does a red-backed poison frog need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a red-backed poison frog cost in Canada?
Typically $100–200 CAD to buy, about $400–700 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red-backed poison frog need?
Temperature: 21–25°C. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a red-backed poison frog eat?
Insectivore – fruit flies (melanogaster), springtails. Feed dusted small fruit flies 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.