Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been hanging around the forum trying to gather information on the care of arrow frogs and the best species for beginners to work with. I have kept other amphibians such as whites tree frog, firebellied toads, and a ornate horned frog. So the questions i have are
1) From what i have read the two species that are suggested the most for beginners are Dendrobates auratus and Dendrobates leucomelas. What are your personal opinions on beginner species?
2) Several of the caresheets i have read say that a minimum of 5 gallons is required per frog. Arrow frogs are territorial correct? So if these frog are territorial won't a small space like a ten gallon tank create territory disputes between 2 frogs?
3) Is the Ohio Reptile Show in Columbus a good place to pick up a few arrow frogs. i live in West virginia and it seems to be the nearest reptile show to me.
Sorry for the long post with what seem to me to be very basic questions, but i want to have a good understanding of the care of these frogs before purchasing one.

Seth

Leucs and auratus are very good beginner frogs, though auratus tend to be somewhat shy at times. These particular species can be kept in groups, as long as adequate space is provided. Many types of PAFs are territorial, while others seem to thrive in gregarious habitats. There are discrepancies regarding to what the gallon-per-frog ratio should be, but it is in my opinion that the bigger the better. Just make sure the frogs have an easy opportunity to feed at will. If you check through forum you should see some threads referring to this very issue.
-----
Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
1.1 Bastimentos Pumilio

I went with 4 Leucs for my first frogs. I used a 20gal High. I have not seen many Leucs at the Columbus show, but Quality Exotics normally has a ton of auratus. I got my Leucs from BlackJungle.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

seth, what part of wv are you from? im just outside of charleston. in sept im going to columbus to pick up three new river tincs from quality captives.
-----
Click Here to See My Dart Tank In The Making UPDATED 6.15.03 SPOILER! Still Needs Moss View At Your Own Risk

kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05

I have four blue auratus in a 20 gallon tank with a lot of foliage cover and four different "huts," as widely spaced as possible. At first they were so shy it was difficult to even keep track of them, and they'd all huddle together under the same cover, but as they matured, they became much more bold about coming out, even climbing the glass. They seem to have also chosen separate preferred sites. They are laying eggs now for the first time, but I haven't noticed any particular intimidation or fighting among them. They all hop out and feed together.

These were my first frogs, so were a little disappointing at the beginning. Later, I aquired some pumpkin galacs and some imitators that were bold, entertaining, and even friendly from the beginning. Today, I'm picking up some leukamelas froglets, so have no first hand experience with those yet.

All in all, if I had it to do over, I'd start with bolder frogs simply because they are easier to observe and monitor.
-----
Patty
Lost River, Idaho

Thank you for your replies the information you provided. I have decided to go with a D. leucomelas.(however i still have more research to do before getting one) i think i will set up a ten gallon tank for one leucomelas, provided a ten gallon is enough space for one.

rc_racer_007 i live in parkersburg,WV

Thank you again
Seth

I would at least get 2, of them, but that is just me. 2 in a ten gallon will be fine. Leucs are very cool, mine are very bold and normally out in the open most of the day hunting. You can see pictures of mine at the link below.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I just picked up my four leuk froglets from Airborne today. Patrick sent them from Missouri last evening and they were in Idaho Falls when the station opened today. They hopped right out into their nursery and started pigging out on fruit flies, apparently unstressed and totally unimpressed by everyone watching them.
-----
Patty
Lost River, Idaho