Description
About the Species:
The Ranitomeya variabilis “Borja Ridge” dart frogs are renowned for their striking patterns and colors. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Peru, they are a small, arboreal species that is a delight to observe. Adults typically grow to about 2-2.5 cm, making them perfect for bioactive vivariums. Captive-bred poison frogs maintained on conventional cultured feeders are not expected to carry the potent wild alkaloid profile and make a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced dart frog enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Age: Juveniles, 6 months old.
- Size: Approximately 1-1.5 cm (will grow to 2-2.5 cm as adults).
- Diet: Primarily live microfauna such as springtails, small fruit flies (Drosophila hydei or melanogaster), and other appropriately sized insects.
- Temperament: Peaceful and social. Can be kept in small groups if provided with adequate space.
- Care Level: Moderate โ Ideal for keepers with some experience in maintaining dart frogs or bioactive vivariums.
Habitat Requirements:
To ensure your R. variabilis thrive, create a suitable environment that mimics their natural rainforest habitat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vivarium Size:
A minimum of 45x45x45 cm for 2-3 frogs. Larger vivariums allow for more naturalistic behaviors. - Humidity:
Provide species-appropriate moisture with humid refuges and useful ventilation; do not manage the enclosure around a permanent fixed-RH target. A drainage layer with a substrate that retains moisture (e.g., ABG mix) is ideal. - Temperature:
Daytime temperatures between 22-26ยฐC and nighttime drops to 19-22ยฐC. Avoid temperatures exceeding 29ยฐC. - Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting is sufficient. UVB lighting is optional but can be beneficial for plant growth and overall health. - Plants:
Incorporate tropical plants such as bromeliads, mosses, philodendrons, and ferns. These provide climbing spaces, hiding spots, and microhabitats. - Water Source:
Provide a shallow water dish or ensure standing water in the vivariumโs drainage layer for humidity balance. - Cleaning Crew:
Use a bioactive cleanup crew like springtails and isopods to help maintain a clean and balanced ecosystem.
Why Choose Us?
At The Frogfather, we take pride in providing high-quality, captive-bred dart frogs. Our frogs are ethically bred, fully acclimated, and come with expert care guidance to help you set up the perfect habitat.
This product is a live amphibian and is available for UK legal purchase and delivery only. In accordance with Google Shopping policies, we do not advertise or promote live animals via paid ads. Listings are visible only through Frogfather.co.uk.
Live-animal courier delivery is temporarily paused. Please check the current Live Animal Policy / FAQ before ordering for the latest collection and future delivery options. By purchasing, you confirm you are 18+ and that keeping this species is legal in your location.
Learn more in our Live Animal Policy.
Ranitomeya social note: some Ranitomeya are maintained successfully in compatible groups, but social behaviour varies by species and individuals. Monitor mature groups for exclusion, persistent aggression and unequal access to food or breeding sites.
Social Housing & Behaviour Review
Last reviewed: 5 September 2026
Poison-frog social systems differ substantially between species and can also change with sex, maturity, breeding condition, enclosure structure and individual temperament. A group that appears stable as juveniles may not remain compatible after sexual maturity.
Do not treat โpairโ, โtrioโ or โgroupโ as a universal stocking rule. Provide visual barriers, multiple feeding and refuge areas, monitor body condition and behaviour, and have a separate suitable enclosure available if persistent chasing, wrestling, exclusion from food or shelter, weight loss or other signs of incompatibility develop.
Evidence & further reading
- Rojas & Paลกukonis (2019) โ natural history and aggressive behaviour in Dendrobates tinctorius
- St Claire et al. โ husbandry and care of dendrobatid frogs
