Dart frogs are some of the most colorful and fascinating amphibians to keep as pets. But their toxicity means you need to take care when selecting tank mates that can live with them safely. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: non-toxic frogs, newts, and select small fish species can live with dart frogs if cared for properly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover suitable and unsuitable tank mates for dart frogs in detail. You’ll learn key factors like toxicity, size compatibility, habitat needs, and temperament to consider when mixing species.
Avoid Mixing Dart Frogs with Other Amphibians
Poison dart frogs toxicity
Poison dart frogs secrete some of the most potent toxins found in nature through their skin. While the toxins help protect dart frogs from predators, they can be extremely dangerous to other amphibians if housed together (1).
Even trace amounts of toxins can be absorbed through the permeable skin of frogs and salamanders, leading to illness or even death.
For example, poison dart frogs like the blue poison dart frog contain alkaloid toxins that disrupt nerve impulses. If a non-toxic frog absorbs enough of these toxins, it may experience seizures, paralysis, and ultimately organ failure (2).
Some poison dart frog species like the golden poison frog contain batrachotoxins that can cause heart attacks in other amphibians (3).
Even if the other amphibian does not immediately die from the toxins, the toxins are likely to build up over time, shortening the animal’s lifespan. Keeping dart frogs with other amphibians is simply too risky for their health.
Stress and territorial issues
In addition to toxicity concerns, housing dart frogs with other amphibians can lead to stress, aggression, and competition over resources (4). As territorial animals, dart frogs may become stressed when sharing an enclosure with another species.
They may show aggression toward the other inhabitant, especially if resources are limited.
For example, if keeping a pacman frog with a poison dart frog, the larger pacman frog may claim the best hiding spots and monopolize food sources. Meanwhile, the dart frog will feel threatened, leading to chronic stress.
Interspecies aggression is also possible if the animals are competing over territory or resources. The animals may inflict injuries while scrapping over food, hides, or mating spots. Chronic stress and fighting compromises the immune system, decreasing lifespan (5).
To avoid these issues, it is best to house dart frogs alone or with members of their own species. Proper space and plentiful resources can minimize territorial disputes. Dart frogs do not require tank mates to thrive.
Suitable Dart Frog Tank Mates
Non-toxic tree frogs
Some great non-toxic tree frog species that can live harmoniously with dart frogs include Gray tree frogs, Red-eyed tree frogs, White’s tree frogs, and Green tree frogs. These peaceful and timid frogs make perfect tank mates as they occupy the upper levels of the vivarium while dart frogs stay closer to the ground.
Just be sure not to house different dart frog species together as they can be territorial towards their own kind.
Tree frogs bring delightful splashes of green and white to the tank and their larger size contrasts nicely with tiny dart frogs. Make sure any tank mates are captive bred rather than wild caught to prevent disease transmission. Quarantine new frogs before introducing them to the vivarium.
Aquatic newts
For dart frog vivariums with a water feature, some compatible aquatic newt species include Red-spotted newts, Eastern newts, and Japanese fire belly newts. Newts are fully aquatic so they won’t compete with dart frogs for food or space.
Plus, newts are diurnal like dart frogs so you’ll get to observe their interesting behaviors and bright colors during the day.
Provide at least a 10-gallon aquarium or larger with both water and ample dry land for newts to explore. Use a gentle water filter and partially submerge logs or rocks for easy access in and out of the water. Newts shed their skin frequently so remove any shreds promptly to keep the water clean.
Small, peaceful fish
A heavily planted paludarium with both water and land areas can house guppies, mollies, platies, neon tetras, cherry barbs, and other peaceful community fish with dart frogs. Make sure to pick fish that stay under 2 inches in size and avoid aggressive or nippy species that could pester dart frogs.
Keep water parameters stable and perform partial water changes weekly. Include rocks, driftwood, and broad-leaf live plants to break sight lines and give fish places to hide. Supplement their diet with fish flakes and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms for optimal health.
| Tank Mate | Ideal Habitat | Other Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tree frogs | Upper levels of vivarium | Quarantine before introducing |
| Aquatic newts | 10+ gallon water feature | Give space to leave water |
| Small fish | Heavily planted paludarium | Avoid fin nippers like tetras |
When it comes to tank mates, picking friendly low-maintenance species that share similar requirements as dart frogs is key. Proper research and planning helps ensure a thriving peaceful community vivarium for all inhabitants to enjoy!
Creating the Right Habitat
Enclosure Size
Dart frogs are active and energetic little creatures that need ample space to hop around. For one or a pair of frogs, aim for a minimum enclosure size of 20 gallons. Increase the size for additional frogs – a good rule of thumb is 10 gallons per frog.
Exo Terra and Zilla make great glass terrarium kits for dart frogs.
Make sure the enclosure is escape-proof with a tight-fitting screen top. Dart frogs are skilled climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps!
Landscaping and Hides
Dart frogs love heavily planted vivariums with lots of hiding spots. Use a 2-3 inch drainage layer of LECA balls or hydrogranules covered by mesh. Above that, add 3-5 inches of ABG mix or coconut fiber substrate.
Decorate the tank with cleaned manzanita branches, cork rounds, and coconut huts for shelters and basking spots. Live or artificial plants like bromeliads, mosses, and tropical ferns also make great additions. Position plants densely to create areas of thick cover.
Temperature, Humidity & Lighting
Daytime temperatures of around 75-80°F suit most dart frog species. At night, they tolerate slight dips into the low 70s. Mist the tank 1-2 times daily to maintain a humidity level of 80% or higher.
Bright lighting is essential for dart frogs. Provide 12-14 hours of illumination daily using a full spectrum or plant growth LED or fluorescent light. Avoid intense spotlights that create hot spots in the enclosure.
For more specific temperature and lighting recommendations tailored to your frog’s locale, research their origin country. Species from cooler mountainous regions may thrive with slightly lower temps than those from humid lowland rainforests.
Introducing Tank Mates Properly
Quarantine new animals
When introducing new tank mates to your dart frog enclosure, it is crucially important to quarantine them first. Here are some tips for proper quarantining:
- Set up a separate quarantine tank and keep new animals isolated for a minimum of 30 days. This allows time for any diseases or parasites to manifest.
- During quarantine, observe animals closely for any signs of illness or strange behavior. Look for sluggishness, loss of appetite, skin lesions,etc.
- Treat any health issues seen during quarantine before introducing animals to the display vivarium.
Quarantining protects both your new animals and existing frogs from transfer of pathogens. It’s an essential biosecurity measure for responsible dart frog keepers.
Observe interactions closely
Once quarantine is complete, the next step is acclimating and introducing new animals to the display tank. This should be done slowly and with plenty of monitoring:
- First place new animals in a mesh enclosure or critter carrier within the tank. This allows them to adjust to the environment while separated from the frogs.
- After a few days, start allowing short periods of supervised time outside their enclosure. Watch carefully for aggressive behavior from either species.
- If all seems well, begin increasing interaction time. But continue close observation for several weeks to ensure harmony.
By taking things slow, you can intercept problems early. Some territorial disputes are normal at first. But persistent bullying must be addressed, either by removing the aggressor or resuming separation.
Have backup tanks ready
Even with quarantining and gradual introductions, compatibility issues can pop up down the road. It’s wise to have backup tank space in case you need to separate animals later.
- Have an extra 10 gallon tank or two equipped and ready for temporary housing.
- These don’t need full-scale setups. Just basic furnishings, substrate, heating and humidity maintenance.
- Should trouble arise, you can easily move the harassed individual until tensions cool down.
Taking these precautions will set you up for success when adding new life to your dart frog habitat. Protecting their health and safety should always be the top priority. With proper introductions, compatible tank mates can enrich their world.
Conclusion
Mixing species in a vivarium can be risky, but also rewarding when done properly. Dart frogs do best on their own, but can coexist with select tank mates given adequate space, research, and preparation on the keeper’s part.
Focus on avoiding toxic species, minimizing stress and aggression, and catering to every animal’s needs. This will give you the best chance at a thriving mixed-species vivarium.
