Epipedrobates tricolor

Poison Arrow, Poison Dart, Poison Frog, Phantasmal Poison Frog, and Dendrobatid Frog are all terms used to describe a small, Central or South American frog known for the brightness of its coloring. When young, they start out with a dark background color. As they mature, they develop additional markings which vary from a rainbow of colors. The color patterns are locality specific.

Comparable to the Mantella species, the life span of a captive Poison Arrow Frog is approximately 6 to 10 years with proper care. It is not a good idea to try to keep wild-caught Poison Arrow Frogs though; usually it means certain death for the animals. Pay a little extra for captive-born and captive-raised frogs. You and the frogs will do much better.

Pairs or trios of Poison Arrow Frogs will do extremely well in a 10-gallon aquarium decorated with hiding places and plants. For substrate, use a good mixture of top soil, peat, and moss. This will help keep the humidity high. The foliage needs to consist of low-light, high-humidity tolerant plants. Mist the terrarium with a spray bottle 2 or 3 times per day, and be sure to provide a shallow bowl of water containing an air stone. This will help maintain high humidity throughout the day.

A full spectrum fluorescent bulb should be the only form of light that you provide for Poison Arrow Frogs. Not only is this good for the frogs but for the live plants as well. Like most other amphibians, Poison Arrow Frogs prefer temperatures between 70-80°F. Take care not to overheat and/or provide too low a humidity for the frogs.

Wild-caught frogs are sometimes reluctant to eat, but captive-raised frogs will take small insects such as termites, pinhead crickets, and wingless fruit flies. Fortifying the animal's diet with vitamins is always beneficial.