How many leucs?

[LadyKeiva]

Just tossing around ideas for a possible vivarium set up next year (or a bit less). Just doing research on options, setups, care requirements and all of that. Dart frogs have caught my eye and I was looking for ones that can be kept in groups as I would like to keep a relatively large vivarium set up. Tank I have in mind would be 36"L x 18"D x 36"H. After reading care sheets and profiles I've found that the Dendrobates leucomelas are one of the best Darts to keep in groups. I also read that the auratus can do well in groups as well, though tend to be a bit more reclusive than the leucs.. Any confirmation on this? (Correct me if I'm wrong).

I was wondering how many Dendrobates leucomelas could comfortable fit in a vivarium with the dimensions of 36"L x 18"D x 36"H?


And again, this is all just tossing around ideas but I would definitely like to delve into the world of vivariums in the next year ^,^

Thanks ahead of time =)
Jessica

[flybyferns]

Hi Jessica,
My D auratus (my experience) are very shy. However, I have heard and read some information on the contrary? Don't know ?
I never see my little group of 4.
They are out when I walk toward the enclosure ---but scamper away when I approach.

My leuc 'group' , however is the complete opposite! I have 5 in an exo terra 36L by 18W by 24 high.
I have to say, if it were higher, I believe they would use the addition height /space as they really like to climb.

I think that 5 (in my size enclosure) is the max I would put in.

Hope this helps
Lynn

BTW welcome to Frog Forum

[DartEd]

Welcome to the forum.

5 -6 is a good healthy number. Some people would do more but then you run into territorial issues. They'll spend more time together but you want to give them the space to forage for food on their own without butting heads with each other and room to set up they're own little territories.

leucomelas are great in groups. I think my Santa Isabels are better in groups. They're shy as youths and become bolder than Leucomelas at about 6-8 months oow. They call all day long and actually seem to acknowledge each other when they encounter each other. I had a group of 11 in a standard 40 gallon tank with zero aggression issues. They breed like crazy too.