Dyeing Dart Frog ‘Robertus’ (Dendrobates tinctorius “Robertus”) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Dyeing Dart Frog ‘Robertus’
Scientific Name	Dendrobates tinctorius “Robertus”
Origin	Suriname / captive-bred morph
Adult Size	4–5 cm
Lifespan	6–10 years in captivity
Activity	Diurnal, arboreal / terrestrial

Behavior

• Highly active, alert, and visually striking; spends time climbing and exploring foliage.

• Social species; can be housed in small groups if space permits.

• Displays bright coloration as a warning; captive-bred are non-toxic but delicate.

• Avoid handling; skin is sensitive and easily stressed.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20–30 liters for a small group (2–3 adults)

• Substrate: Moist coco fiber, sphagnum moss, or soil mix to retain humidity

• Decor: Live plants, cork bark, leaf litter, small branches for climbing and hiding

• Humidity: 75–90%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–26°C

  • Night: 20–22°C

• Lighting: 10–12 hours of low to moderate light; UVB optional for plant health

• Ventilation: Good airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Social with conspecifics; avoid overcrowding.

• Do not house with larger amphibians or predatory species.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on small live insects:

  • Fruit flies (Drosophila)

  • Pinhead crickets

  • Springtails

• Feed juveniles daily; adults 3–5× per week

• Dust prey with calcium and vitamin supplements regularly

• Provide shallow water or mist leaves for hydration

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; skin is delicate and absorbs chemicals easily.

• Maintain high humidity for hydration and skin health.

• Spot-clean enclosure daily; remove waste and moldy substrate.

• Provide live plants and hiding spots for enrichment and security.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay small clutches of 4–12 eggs on leaves or hidden spots.

• Eggs develop in moist conditions; adults may transport tadpoles to small water pools.

• Stable temperature and high humidity are essential for successful breeding.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥20–30 L, humid substrate, plants, climbing branches

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–26°C / Night 20–22°C

• 💧 Humidity: 75–90%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (small live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Diurnal, active climber and explorer

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide plenty of hiding spots and plants

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.