Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've started looking into darts so I'm still not too sure about a few things. I know it's not good to mix frogs of different species but is it ok to mix frogs of the same species, mainly Dendrobates tinctorius. I want color in my tank so I want a few tincs of different color, would that be ok? TIA.

Generally the different colors are distinct color morphs from somewhat different areas. They may be the same species, but there is an ethical consideration about breeding them together. Responsible breeders keep the color/morph lines as pure as possible to the original. I see nothing wrong with keeping different colors together as long as you pull the eggs, don't breed or sell the offspring. The problem with tincts in general is that they are very territorial, and while they may not be prejudiced about color, the females in particular are rather viscious about territorial competition. They are simply not good groupies, and do better in mated pairs in separate tanks than they would mixed in a group, male and female of whatever color morph.

If you want color variety, probably the best thing to go with would be different colored auratus, except you may never see the shy blue one. Even different colors of the same specie have different personalities and characteristics. There are a more downsides to mixing than I've ever found worth the bother of doing, although when I first started out, it was the first thing I thought about trying. After raising a whole lot of different species separately, I no longer think I have the expertise to even try it.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus
2 D. azureus
4 P vittatus