Native to the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, tiny poison dart frogs secrete lipophilic alkaloid toxins through their skin. These toxins serve as a chemical defense against predation. Some native tribes are renowned for dipping arrow tips in the toxins from these frogs.

These beautiful, active frogs are outgoing and diurnal, making excellent “look but don’t touch” pets. Many but not all specimens in the pet trade today are captive bred. Frogs bred for several generations in captivity fail to synthesize skin alkaloid toxins because of differences in diet. However all specimens should be considered to be wearing noxious alkaloids on their skin until demonstrated otherwise.

Class: Amphibia

Order: Anura

Family: Dendrobatidae

Dendrobates auratus: green and black poison frog

D. azureus: blue poison frog

D. leucomelas: yellow and black poison frog

These vividly colored frogs are tiny, typically reaching 1.5 in (3.8 cm) in length. Adult poison frogs typically weigh between 2-6 grams.

These small frogs have big appetites! Feed poison frogs small insects like fruit flies, termites, aphids, and pinhead crickets. Dust foods for juveniles with a vitamin/mineral supplement twice weekly. Dust food items for adults once weekly.

Temperature	Provide a temperature gradient of 72-80°F (22-27°C) during the day. At night the temperature may fall to 65-70°F (18-21°C). Do not use a radiant heat source as these tend to dry amphibian environments.
Humidity/ water	Strive for a relative humidity of 80-100%. Provide a shallow water dish and lightly mist the enclosure regularly. Between misting the substrate should remain damp, but not water logged. Potential water sources include: Aged water: Allow chlorinated water to sit in an open container for 24-48 hours so chlorine can dissipate Bottled spring water Filtered tap water: run through a sediment and activated charcoal filter
Cage size and design	House one to four frogs in a heavily planted 20-gallon (75-L) terrarium.
Cage furniture/supplies	Provide plants and other visual barriers, as well as one or two tree limbs arranged diagonally. Provide low-intensity full-spectrum lighting for optimal absorption of dietary calcium. Dart frogs particularly enjoy commercially available huts made from coconut and bromeliads for climbing.
Social structure	Communal

7-15 years (Green and black poison frog, yellow and black poison frog)
2-8 years (Blue poison frog)

Gastrointestinal:	A short, simple gastrointestinal tract empties into a cloaca
Dermatologic:	Dart frogs have the fragile, sensitive skin characteristic of all amphibians, plus are known for the skin secretions of toxic alkaloids. To protect the patient and clinician, moistened gloves should be worn for examination and treatment.
Cardiac:	A three-chambered heart is encased within the pectoral girdle.
Lymphatics:	All amphibians possess lymph hearts, which beat in synchrony independently of the heart.
Urogenital:	A renal portal system is present
Sexual dimorphism:	Males will call during the mating season. They will also develop nuptial pads on each thumb and tend to have darker throats. Females are usually larger than males with a more rounded body shape.
Miscellaneous:	Frogs possess coelomic and inguinal fat bodies.

Amphibian skin is very sensitive so handle the poison frog as little as possible. Perform a visual exam by placing the frog in a clear plastic box or tub.

To manually restrain the frog, moisten your hands with water or wear moistened latex gloves.

• Chytridiomycosis
• Spindly leg syndrome