Dendrobates

The largest group of dartfrogs, with 40+ species:

• small to relatively large (adults are 20-50 mm long on average)
• 1st finger shorter than second
• wide finger discs
• no teeth
• no bright oblique lateral stripe

Dendrobates amazonicus
A "thumbnail" frog, part of the D. ventrimaculatus group. Treat like D. ventrimaculatus.

Dendrobates auratus
A robust and attractive dartfrog, but with the reputation of being somewhat secretive. Several morphs are available, including green and blue ("Panama"). Auratus morphguide at www.tropical-experience.nl

Dendrobates azureus
Closely related to D. tinctorius, but more somewhat more difficult to breed. In many ways, this is the pinup of the dartfrog world. Continued popularity and limited supply ensue that these frogs always fetch a good price. BDG Archive

Dendrobates castaneoticus
Only found in one location in Brazil and never exported legally from there, consequently, not available. Also known as the Brazil nut poison frog. Small white spots on a glossy black back and large bright orange spots at the arm insertions and on the legs. Orange spots may be found on the hind legs. A member of the D. quinquevittatus group. Said to require running water to breed.

Dendrobates claudiae
A rare frog in captivity for reasons which are not clear. BDG Archive

Dendrobates galactonotus
Related to D. tinctorius but originating from Brazil. At least two morphs, the normal yellow "splashback" form and a pale "moonlight" morph. Treat like D. tinctorius.

Dendrobates granuliferus
A thumbnail frog, very difficult to breed and hence rare in the hobby. Small numbers are bred in Europe. Said to require running water and seasonal changes to induce breeding.

Dendrobates leucomelas
A robust and popular frog, suitable for beginners. Has a loud, trilling, bird-like call. Difficult to sex. Toepad differences are minor compared to other species such as D. tinctorius. Bodyshape is as good a guide as anything (females are fatter), but the best guide is males calling! Colour varies from yellow to orange. Rumours that this species needs a higher temperature than other frogs are not substantiated by experience.

Dendrobates lamasi
A thumbnail frog, member of the D. quinquevittatus group. There are at least two morphs, "standard" or green-legged and "Panguana". The latter frog was previously known as D. imitator "Panguana". BDG Archive

Dendrobates lehmanni
Native to Columbia and has not been legally exported for some years. It has proven extremely difficult to breed in captivity, and so is rare in the hobby.

Dendrobates mysteriosus
A rare frog, recently legally exported in small numbers from Peru. Breeding is difficult, said to require high daytime temperatures (30°C) and low night temperatures (20°C).

Dendrobates pumilio
The prototypical "eggfeeder". A borderline thumbnail frog (some morphs are actually quite large) with many different morphs. Low numbers of offspring due to parental care, and always in demand, hence prices remain high. There have been more legal imports in the last few years, and more captive bred frogs are now available. Not suitable for beginners. Pumilio morphguide at www.tropical-experience.nl

Dendrobates quinquevittatus
The nominat frog of a group of closely related thumbnail species: biolat, castaneus, fantasticus, imitator, lamasi, quinquevittatus, reticulatus, sirensis, vanzolinii, variabilis, ventrimaculatus.

Dendrobates tinctorius
The "type species" for dartfrogs. Many different morphs. Bold, robust and fairly easy to breed. A good frog for beginners. Females are notorious for fighting, even killing each other. Tinctorius morphguide at www.tropical-experience.nl

Dendrobates reticulatus
An attractive "thumbnail" frog, usually rather reclusive.

Dendrobates variabilis
Similar in appearance to D. imitator, but one spot on head instead of two. A member of the D. quinquevittatus group.

Dendrobates ventrimaculatus
Generally agreed to be the easiest thumbnail species, but still not suitable for beginners. Do well in groups and in comparatively small vivaria (compared with other thumbnails). Male call is a quiet buzzing sound.

Dendrobates vincenti
A predominantly green, pumilio-like thumbnail frog. Small numbers are being captive bred in some European countries and available at high prices, but since the originating stock was illegally imported, not all countries accept the legality of even captive-bred specimens with the correct papers.

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