Splendid Poison Dart Frog

Overview

Splendid Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga sylvatica) is a poison dart frog native to Ecuador & Colombia. A colorful poison frog of the Chocó region, requiring precise humidity and egg-feeding care.

Care level: Expert. Toxicity: Highly toxic in the wild, generally harmless in captivity.

History & Origin

The Dendrobatidae (Poison Dart Frogs) is naturally distributed across Ecuador & Colombia, where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.

Appearance & Size

Splendid Poison Dart Frog is a 2–3 cm poison dart frog.

Temperament

Poison dart frogs are diurnal, bold and intensely colourful; in captivity (fed a captive diet) they are not toxic, but they are small, sensitive to stress and best kept in species-specific groups.

Care & Husbandry

Poison dart frogs need a warm, humid bioactive terrarium (24–27 °C, 80–100% humidity) with leaf litter and film for microfauna. They eat fruit flies, springtails and pinhead crickets; vitamins and calcium are essential. Never mix species or house them with other amphibians.

This species is generally rated Expert in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity Splendid Poison Dart Frog typically lives 8–12 years. In captivity these frogs typically live 8–15 years. They are sensitive to poor humidity and contaminated food; use only supplement-dusted, pathogen-free insects and keep the terrarium clean and stable.

Popularity & Recognition

Poison dart frogs are celebrated for their jewel-like colours and are among the most popular display amphibians in the hobby, with many captive-bred morphs.