Dendrobates tinctorius Care Sheet

Difficulty: Novice.
D. tinctorius are some of the boldest dart frogs available. They make a great first frog into the dart frog world.

Descriptions & Behavior:
D. Tinctorius are a diurnal frog, they search for food during the day. They are not shy frogs and can be seen out and about almost 100% of the time.

General Care:
Temperatures: 70-80º F during the day
70-65º F at night

D. Tinctorius is among one of the largest species of darts. A pair requires at least a 10 gallon tank. More space is recommended. I keep my breeding pair in a 30 gallon long. It is best to house only 1 female per tank. The females can be very territorial during breeding and will fight with other females, often pinning their heads down. Shallow water areas should not be placed in tanks housing tincs for this reason.

Sexing your tincs:
Sexing tincs can be done by looking at the size of the frog. Females tend to be larger than males, with longer bodies and fatter sides. The toepads also can be used to help determine sex. Males forelimb toepads are generally alot larger and wider than females. Females forelimb toepads tend to be about as wide as the toe is. Were as males forelimb toepads tend to be alot wider than the toe is. These are not also 100% ways to sex your frog. Sometimes hearing and watching a frog call is the only way to sex them. The male's call sounds like a soft buzzing. Often, it can not be heard unless your head is close to, or up against, the tank.

Despite what some hobbiest say, I found that tincs will take large to small prey. Both Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila hydei fruit flys. Springtails are also relished.