Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am really thinking about gettin a pair of arrow frogs. I've had amphibians/reptiles for quite some time, but never delt with arrow frogs. I am interested in them for obvious reasons (colors!). So my question is what are the best frogs to start out with. I've done some research and a lot of people say to start with D. Auratus. And can i keep a pair in a 10 gal tank? If not I'll get a bigger one. Thanks!

You're deffinetly on the right track, keep on thinking. The more you know before you purchase the frogs the better. The combination of bright colors, interesting behavior and being diurnal make them one of my favorite animals to keep. Most of the information you're looking for can be at the following websites:

http://www.doylesdartden.com/
http://www.pumilio.com/husbandry.htm
http://www.poison-frogs.nl/
http://www.saurian.net/htm/info_setupsupplies.htm

As you dig through all of the information online you'll find many oppinions about different ways of caring for dart frogs. There are as many individual techniques and tricks as their are dart frog hobbyists and I'm sure you too will develope some of your own once you start keeping them. Don't get confused when reading about all of the different ways of keeping them, just take a step back and think about what the real purpose of doing something a certain way would be and decide for yourself what is more practical.

Dendrobates auratus are hardy dart frogs that aren't very expensive. Many forms are shy which can be disapointing
if they are your first frog. The Costa Ricans that I've cared for seem to be very bold but many of the other color forms are shy. Dendrobates leucomelas, azureus, tinctorius or Phyllobates terribilis might be a better choice since they are generally bolder and more willing to hop around while you're pearing into their terrarium. A 10 gallon aquarium is adequit for an adult pair of dart frogs although a 15 gallon or 20 gallon will give the frogs more room and will allow more flexibility when it comes to terrarium design. Good luck,
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Devin
devin@amphibiancare.com
www.amphibiancare.com
4.1 Dendrobates tinctorius 'Dwarf French Guiana'
1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
5.1 Mantella aurantiaca
2.1 Mantella crocea
1.0 Ceratophrys cranwelli
1.0 Bufo americanus
0.0.1 Salamandra salamandra
1.0 Ambystoma tigrinum
0.1 Chamaeleo calyptratus
0.1 Phelsuma dubia
1.0 Uroplatus ebenaui
0.0.1 Chrysemys picta belli
1.0 Terrapene carolina triunguis

Welcome to the world of darts!
Auratus are great frogs to begin with along with a host of others. You can also look D.leucomelas or E.tricolor to start with. Both have very nice calls when they get older.
The general rule of thumb is 5 gallons per frog, and this works great for the frogs above. Some of the more advanced frogs should be given 10 gallons per frog.

Again welcome to the hobby,

Benjamin Green
www.thechocohut.com

I agree that Auratus is a great starter frog. I started with them but, I would recommend the Leucomelus so that you can enjoy their call when they mature. Just an added bonus. I have NEVER heard my Auratus call and have several clutches from them developing as we speak. Just a soft low call. No matter what you pick you will love them. Enjoy your addiction.

TonyT

I was thinking of starting with a pair of Azureus is that good too?

i started with these and think they are great! the two i started with were out and about from the first day on. but recently i got another and it hads been hiding so i guess it depends on the breeder. but i would go for them, good luck if you choose them!

Thanks for all your replies you've been so helpful!

They are a fine frog to start with. It is just that alot of people don't want to invest that kind of money to see if they will like the hobby or not. Those were my 3rd frogs and they are very nice frogs. I would like to recommend Patrick. He has a very nice selection.

TonyT

I know mixing species is usually not reccomended, but I was wondering I could mix a D. Auratus green/black with a D. Auratus blue/black? They are the same type of frog, but different colors am I correct? Also, would it be ok to mix an Auratus with a Leuc? I know the answere is most likely no, but I was just hoping for some advice before I make any arrangements. Thanks