Tinctorius and azureus are actually different color populations of the same specie and have been put together in the newest nomenclature under tinctorius. The Dendrobates tinctorius group are one of the more territorial frogs, and the general advice is that they are best kept in mated pairs or singles. In my own experience, it is the females that fight with each other, (reportedly to the death in some instances, although I've never let it go this far,) so perhaps two males of different morphs (color populations) might work out with no female present, such as an azureus and one of the another color populations. This is just speculation on my part, accounting for some experiences from other people I have merely read, although I have had sibling male tinctorius get along together in small groups with a lot of space. Or perhaps with two males and a single female from three different color populations, you could simply pull any eggs and not raise these. That would solve the ethical problem of coming up with designer tincts, and give you three different color morphs of same species frogs about the same size. Later, if you decided to breed, you could match them up with new mates from the same morph color in separate tanks. Adult tincts are relatively easy to sex by toe pads and body habitus.

You won't get a lot of positive advice about mixing darts, at least not on this side of the pond, and you may find some people who virtually foam at the mouth when it's mentioned. If you would like to contact me by a private e-mail message, I can give you the name of a well known and reliable breeder that doesn't totally nix the idea, who might have some more suggestions. You really need to talk to someone who has actually done it successfully. I've simply never tried it, just built another tank for each new species and color morphs, although I like to keep an open mind about the possibility.
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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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