Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to the hobby, but I've been reading and surfing the web often learning all I can on dart frogs for a good 2 years

now, and I've decided I have the time and dedication (and money) to obtain some. I will be ordering a vivarium from

www.vivaria.nl, the 72 cm 40 cm 80 cm basic hexagon, and planting it myself, to accomidate a group of either fantasticus or

reticulatus. Now I have never kept darts before, and starting with either one of these could be disasterious, but I believe

that I am prepared. The only problem maybe loosing the frogs in a heavily planted vivarium of this size, and feeding them,

imho. But I would like too hear other peoples opinions on this, feel free to be as harsh as you'd like, and I would love any

tips from keepers of either one of these species. If I were to choose between the two, which would I run into the least

problems with, which is more delicate, etc. Anything and everything. Thank you,

Mike

besides eggfeeders these are probably the 2 worst frogs to start with. Retics are small and hard to feed and monitor if you did go with them I would raze them in smaller containers before you put them in the bigger terrarium. Know fants are allot bigger (thumbnail specking) but are very shy and touchy if you really want to start with thumbnails start with vents or imitators then move on to the others out of the 2 you picked I definitely pic fants over the retic's. remember reading is one thing and dealing with the frogs and keeping them is another most all of us lost some frogs in the beginning please keep this in mind
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Brian Ferriera JR
Plympton, Ma

P. Terribilis (orange)
P.Bicolor (soon)
D. azureus
D. ventrimaculatus
E. hahneli
D. tinctorius (Oyapok )
D. Fantasticus
D. leucomelas

I agree with Brian. You ARE going to run into problems with your first dart frogs. It's inevitable. Sometimes these problems are induced by the keeper and sometimes not. Regardless, it's best to start with a more hardy frog, this makes life easier for you and the frog. Don't worry about trying to go out and get the absolute "best" frog with the "best" markings. Trust me. You WILL enjoy the colors and markings that the more common frogs have to offer. Don't let the allure of rarity or intricate markings impede your better judgement. Try out a couple of auratus or cobalt tincs. You'll see them more often and will be able to enjoy their beauty without having to creep into the room and sneak up on them!
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Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
1.1 Bastimentos Pumilio

i disagree. I think with the proper husbandry, you will do ok. You have been doing research for 2 years, you are ready. as long as you stick to the care sheets, you should be fine. It is always best to start out with a smaller viv so you can monitor if they are eating and what not. once this is done, you can put them into the bigger viv.

Have you ever delt with retic's???? Their extremely hard to feed and are incredibly touchy frogs. Not to mention they have a reputation for having a hi death rate as froglets. Its one thing to read care sheets but beginners make mistakes its just a fact of life.
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Brian Ferriera JR
Plympton, Ma

P. Terribilis (orange)
P.Bicolor (soon)
D. azureus
D. ventrimaculatus
E. hahneli
D. tinctorius (Oyapok )
D. Fantasticus
D. leucomelas

Hi,

You will have a very hard time finding reticulatus and fantasticus is also not a very common frog...it would be better for you to start out with a frog that is more common should you encounter problems. And when starting out, problems can and do occur and I would hate to see any frog in the wrong hands...but the idea of reticlatus in inexperienced hands is definetly not what I would suggest.

And you most likely won't see fantasticus often unless you have a large group (or are up very early in the morning) and then you could have fighting and have to separate out frogs...then that would mean another vivarium etc with all of the added costs...see how things can happen that you don't even expect or think about.

Tammy

Having kept both of these species, I must add to the chorus of voices recommending against these as your first frogs. I had kept other species for years, and had read a lot but these - especially retics - are tougher than you think, and you will very likely lose some along your learning curve. They are just too secretive, too sensitive, and generally difficult to accomodate. If you start with other frogs, even easier thumbnails like vents, you can always pick up some retics or fantasticus later on. There is no need to tempt fate by starting there, they'll still be around when you are more ready for them.

The bolder species are simply a lot more fun because they will put on a show for you, while the shy ones, however beautiful, are seldom seen unless you go looking for them and possibly stress them in the process. I'm sure you already know this, but as others have said, whatever you choose, start them in a small "nursery tank" to make sure they are eating well and thriving before putting them in a more complex environment where you can't keep track of them easily.

The imitators and vents are athletic little thumbnails with a lot of "character." I don't have tincs, but the pumpkin orange galactonotus have a lot of personality, as well, and are extremely active. Mine don't seem to be as territorial and don't fight like the tinctorius apparently do, but that could be circumstantial.

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Patty
Lost River, Idaho