I think that Dendrobates leucomelas (bumblebee dart frog) receives the most votes over-all, although there are certainly a lot of others that would be good for a first dart frog. 1. It is relatively inexpensive. i.e. about $25.00 to $35.00 each for the more common skin patterns. 2. They get along well in groups, i.e. not overly territorial, so you don't have to worry about putting same sex frogs together. 3. The colors are striking. 4. The males have a nice trilling call. 5. They use all levels of a terrarium, i.e. the back-ground, branches, bromeliad axils, as well as the bottom. 6. They are generally bold and active during the day. You could keep up to four in a 20 gallon.
D. auratus, at least the more common color morphs share the first three attributes, although in general, they aren't as bold, but this differs among the various color morphs. Some can be disappointingly skittish and shy.
My personal over-all favorite is D. galactonotus. My own orange morphs "have it all," except for the price. They are still rather expensive.
Phyllobates terribilis, the mint green form, are relatively inexpensive, very bold and certainly learn where their food comes from in a hurry. While they are usually in the open and won't hide from you, they aren't as active over-all as some of the others. The mint green coloration is iridescent with a silvery sheen, so they are not simply another "green frog." The orange form is more difficult to find at this time, and more costly.
Here's a few photos of some of my D. leucomelas as juveniles, two of the D. galactonotus "fishing" in the water of their "river run" and one of the mint P. terribilis.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho
D. auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, galactonotus orange, galactonotus yellow, fantasticus, reticulatus, imitator, castaneoticus, azureus, pumilio Bastimentos. P. lugubris, vittatus, terribilis mint green, terribilis orange.
