Anthony's Poison Frog

Anthony's Poison Frog key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-10 years

Size

1.9-2.6cm

Temperature

18〜27℃

Humidity

80〜100%

Diet

Fruit flies, pinhead crickets

Temperature & Humidity

Tolerates 18-27 C, with 23-24 C ideal; above 29 C is dangerous. Keep humidity high at 80-100%.

Enclosure

A 38 litre tank suits two or three frogs; use 60 x 30 x 45 cm or larger for a group, allowing about 19 litres per frog, with leaf litter and plants as visual barriers.

Diet & Feeding

All ages take D. melanogaster fruit flies readily; adults also eat D. hydei and pinhead crickets. Dust every feeding with supplement.

Temperament

Diurnal and active, and suited to group housing, though the social dynamic shifts once frogs mature at 5-8 months and females may eat each other's eggs.

Notes

Captive-bred frogs are not toxic. It is sometimes traded under the name E. tricolor, so check the scientific name given by the source.

About Anthony's Poison Frog

A small poison dart frog from Ecuador and Peru, marked with dark red and yellow-white bands and well suited to group keeping. Known as the species from which the analgesic epibatidine was first isolated, it suits keepers with some prior experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Anthony's Poison Frog

1. 1High-Humidity Terrarium

   Coming from tropical rainforest habitats, these frogs need a terrarium that keeps humidity consistently high. Regular misting or an automated fogging system, along with sphagnum moss and cork bark hides, helps recreate their natural environment. Balancing humidity with adequate ventilation is key when choosing an enclosure.

2. 2Low Toxicity in Captivity

   Wild individuals build up toxins from alkaloid-rich insects in their diet, but captive-bred frogs raised on non-toxic feeder insects are generally considered to lose most of that toxicity. Their skin remains thin and sensitive, though, so frequent bare-hand handling is best avoided.

3. 3Thrives in Small Groups

   Anthony's poison frog is a species that does well when kept in groups. With relatively weak territorial behavior, individuals can often be observed living together. Provide multiple hiding spots so each frog has somewhere to retreat.

4. 4Tiny Size, Escape Risk

   Adults grow to only about 1.9 to 2.6 cm, making them one of the smaller dart frog species. Because they can slip through the smallest gaps, sealing every opening in the lid and any wiring holes in the enclosure is essential.

5. 5Live Insect Diet

   With such small mouths, they mainly eat tiny live feeder insects such as springtails, fruit flies, and young crickets. Dusting feeders with calcium and vitamin supplements before feeding also supports their health.

6. 6Intermediate Care Needs

   This species is generally rated as suited to intermediate keepers, since maintaining stable temperature, humidity, and water quality takes some experience. Sudden temperature swings or dryness can cause stress or health problems, so daily checks with a thermometer and hygrometer matter.

7. 7A 5-10 Year Commitment

   Their lifespan runs roughly 5 to 10 years, a surprisingly long companionship for such a small animal. Before bringing one home, it's worth discussing with your household whether you can keep up their care and environment over the long term.

Frequently asked questions about Anthony's Poison Frog

Q.Are Anthony's poison frogs venomous or toxic?

A.In the wild, these frogs accumulate toxins from the insects they eat, but captive-bred individuals raised on non-toxic feeder insects are generally considered to have little to no toxicity. Even so, their skin is delicate, so always wash your hands after handling one.

Q.Are they suitable for beginner keepers?

A.This species is generally considered better suited to keepers with some prior experience, since maintaining stable temperature and humidity takes practice. With the right setup in place, a motivated beginner can still take on the challenge.

Q.How many should be kept together?

A.Because this species does well in groups, many keepers house several individuals in the same terrarium. If the enclosure feels crowded, adding more hiding spots helps give each frog its own space.

Q.How large do they grow?

A.Adults reach only about 1.9 to 2.6 cm, making them one of the smaller dart frog species. Their tiny size also means extra care is needed to prevent escapes or injury.

Q.How long do they typically live?

A.Their lifespan is generally around 5 to 10 years. With consistent temperature, humidity, and feeding care, they can be a long-term companion.

Useful tools for Anthony's Poison Frog care

Learn more about Anthony's Poison Frog in the encyclopedia

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