Stunning Dendrobates Tinctorius Azureus(3.0-4.5 cm)

   Name: Dendrobates tinctorius AZUREUS. Formerly known as Dendrobates azureus until genetic testing proved D. azureus was another population of Dendrobates tinctorius. Commonly called the Sky Blue Poison Dart Frog, Blue Poison Arrow Frog, or the Dyeing Poison Dart Frog (based on an early belief that natives used brightly colored frogs to dye fabric).

dendrobates tinctorius azureus  Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for a single Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Azureus’, but abovereptiles recommends a 20H or 18x18x18 Vivarium for 1-3 frogs.

temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Temperatures over 85F are dangerous.

Humidity: Like most poison dart frogs, dendrobates tinctorius Azureus prefer a humidity range of 70 – 100%, but can tolerate humidity down to 50% for short periods of time if the frogs have access to water. Low humidity levels, especially without access to water, can quickly be fatal.

Size: Adult female Azureus are larger, measuring in at approximately 2 inches. Male Azureus are a bit smaller, averaging about 1.5 inches at maturity. All of the Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Azureus’ froglets abovereptiles sells are well started juveniles, and measure at least 5/8” long.

Age: Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Azureus’ is capable of living well over 20 years in captivity under ideal conditions, although a lifespan of 10 years is more common. In the wild, it is thought that Azureus may live 4-6 years. All Azureus for sale at abovereptiles are well started juveniles, and are 2-3 months old.

Feeding: Like most poison dart frogs, Azureus prefer smaller foods. All of the azureus abovereptiles sells will readily eat Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adult Dendrobates tinctorius Azureus  will readily consume Drosophila hydei fruit flies and pinhead crickets. All ages of poison dart frogs will enjoy springtails and isopods. All feeder insects should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement.

Sexing: Dendrobates tinctorius Azureus  is not sexable until 10-12 months of age. Male Azureus tend to be smaller than females, which often appear both longer and wider. Males also tend to have wider front toe pads and a less defined back arch than females. abovereptiles sells 2-3 month old juveniles that are not sexable unless otherwise noted. For more information on sexing poison dart frogs, please visit our How-To Guide on Sexing Poison Dart Frogs.

Color/Pattern: A very variable poison dart frog, all Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Azureus’ are mostly blue in color with a varying degree of black spots. The blue can range from a very dark, deep blue to a light sky blue in some individuals. Spots can be large in some individual Azureus, but generally are less than 1cm across. ‘Fine Spot’ or ‘Small Spot’ lines of Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Azureus’ have been created by line breeding.

abovereptiles does not recommend, support, or endorse line breeding as we believe this leads to weaker captive animals and nature has done a wonderful job of creating an amazing variation in color and pattern of poison dart frogs already.

The blue poison dart frog or blue poison arrow frog (Dendrobates tinctorius “azureus”) is a poison dart frog found in the forests surrounded by the Sipaliwini Savanna, which is located in southern Suriname (known in Surinamese Dutch as blauwe pijlgifkikker) and adjacent far northern Brazil. D. tinctorius azureus is also known by its indigenous Tirio name, okopipi. Its scientific name comes from its azure (blue) color. While frequently considered a valid species in the past, recent authorities treat it as a variant of D. tinctorius.

Dendrobates tinctorius Azureus  Behavior

D. tinctorius “Azureus” the blue poison dart frog is a mainland animal, but stays close to water sources. These frogs spend most of their awake time, during the day, hopping around in short leaps.^{[citation needed]} They are very territorial and aggressive both towards their own species and others. To ward off intruders, they use a series of calls, chases, and wrestling. Although poison dart frogs are known for their skin toxins, used on the tips of arrows or darts of natives, in reality only the species of the genus Phyllobates are used in this manner. In captivity, the frogs lose toxicity as a result of altered diets.