Except for Ancon Hills, which can be sexed by the shape of certain skin markings, auratus are rather difficult, even as adults. The females in general, tend to be just a bit larger and rounder in the belly than males, but in a group of well-fed frogs, this is not always a safe bet. Only the males will call, but the calls are pretty soft, and you might not hear them. But at least if you hear calling, you know you have a male. If you see it as well, you know which one it is. If it lays eggs, you have a female of course, and more than likely a male in the tank, as well. However, I have four female blue auratus without a male among them and have (rarely) recovered infertile eggs. Patrick (Saurian) once told me that this occasionally happens with auratus. I finally decided they were all females after several years of never hearing calling, seeing breeding behavior, and of course, recovering the eggs.



I don't think there's any clear positive answer until you witness courtship and the whole breeding process, which they unfortunately prefer to do in private under a hut. However, you may see the male stroking the female, enticing her, and her following him to the chosen spot.



Fortunately, they are among the species that get along well in groups, so if you have four or five, your chances of getting at least one of the opposite sex from the others is pretty good.
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Patty

Pahsimeroi, Idaho



Dendrobates: auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, tinctorius azureus, leucomelas. Phyllobates: vittatus, terribilis, lugubris. Epipedobates: anthonyi tricolor pasaje. Ranitomeya fantastica, imitator, reticulata. Adelphobates castaneoticus, galactonotus. Oophagia pumilio Bastimentos. (updated systematic nomenclature)

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