Green and Black Poison Dart Frog(1.5inches)

Defining Characteristics:

• Great beginner frog
• Bright green and black coloration
• Moderately bold
• Very easy to breed
• Quiet call
• Large
• Can be kept in groups

Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for a single  green and black poison dart frog but abovereptiles recommends a 20H or 18x18x18 Vivarium for 1-3 frogs. Auratus will not climb as much as other varieties of dart frogs, and prefer a horizontally oriented tank. Costa Rican auratus seem to appreicate a water feature, such as a small pond. Not sure how to set up a vivarium? Please watch our video on How to Set Up a Vivarium.

Temperature: They can tolerate a temperature range of 65 F to 85 F, but prefer temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Temperatures over 85F are dangerous.

Humidity: Like most poison dart frogs, auratus 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 to green and black poison dart frog.  Auratus in particular seem to enjoy a wetter environment and higher ambient humidity levels vs other species of poison dart frogs, and will be more active in a more humid environment, especially when provided with a water feature. In the wild, auratus are commonly found in association with streams.

Size: Adult female green and black poison dart frog  are larger, measuring in at approximately 1.5 inches. Male Costa Rican Green and Black auratus are a bit smaller, averaging about 1.25 inches at maturity. All of the Dendrobates auratus ‘Costa Rican Green and Black’ froglets abovereptiles sells are well started juveniles, and measure at least  5/8” long.

Age: Dendrobates auratus ‘Costa Rican Green and Black’ is capable of living well over 20 years in captivity under ideal conditions, although a lifespan of 10 years is more common. I had a friend who had a pair of auratus still breeding after keeping them for 27 years, and they were wild caught adults when he received them in the early 1990s! In the wild, it is thought that galacs may live 4-6 years. All Green and Black Auratus for sale at abovereptiles are well started juveniles, and are 2-3 months old.

Green and Black Poison Dart Frog Distribution

The green-and-black poison dart frog is found in the humid lowlands from southeastern Nicaragua on the Atlantic slope and southeastern Costa Rica on the Pacific coast through Panama to northwestern Colombia (Chocó Department). An introduced populations exist on Oahu; the species was purposefully introduced there in 1932 for mosquito control. Later on, it seems to have also become established on Maui.