You could probably keep a small group of D. auratus with either D. leucomelas, or my favorite, D. galactonotus, orange morph, as all of these do well in groups. You also might mix Phyllobates terribilis with something like one of the Dendrobates mentioned. P. vittatus might also do all right with others if given plenty of space, but in my experience, they aren't as bold as the P. terribilis and might be intimidated. This is a guess, because I've never tried it. A note of caution: Sometimes certain D. auratus may be extremely shy and easily intimidated. My blue morphs that I've had for many years hide most of the time and are rarely seen, although they've lived in their own group without any losses. A frog that hides all the time isn't much fun. So ask the breeder what the reputation for this quality is with his particular line.

From my personal experience with D. azureus, I wouldn't attempt to mix them except in mated pairs, although sometimes two males and 1 female might do O.K. They utilize a lot of space, and one pair in 30 gallons is about right, but even in a 90 (which compared to rain forest space isn't all that big) they are going to want to have it all. My own line of them are also rather larger than most other darts.

If you choose to go with a single species, which in my opinion is advisable until you get some of your own personal experience with them separately, you could probably put about 8 of either leucomelas, auratus, galactonotus or the P. terribilis/vittatus in a 90 gallon with some planted height to it. (Cork background, branches, logs, etc with epiphytes to add to the vertical territory.) I know this is somewhat less than the standard recommendation of 5 gallons per frog, but if you put 18 frogs in there, they'd be way over-crowded. The D. galactonotus in particular, are very, very active frogs and will be virtually everywhere, up-down and around. The D. leucomelas are a bit slower, but they certainly don't stay put. (The designation of terrestrial vs arboreal species is meaningless in something as limited as a even a very large glass tank.)

Hopefully, you will be able to weigh some other opinions as all experiences aren't alike, even with the same species. Mixing is done so seldom, this may also be from people quoting the accepted folk wisdom of the hobby, which is never to mix at all. And except for the Galact/auratus mix, my own suggestions have not been tried out personally, but are only a best guess from observing these species separately.
-----
Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

D. auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, galactonotus orange, galactonotus yellow, fantasticus, reticulatus, imitator, castaneoticus, azureus, pumilio Bastimentos. P. lugubris, vittatus, terribilis mint green, terribilis orange.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]