Description
About the Species:
Native to the Bocas del Toro region in Panama, the “Punta Laurel” morph of Oophaga pumilio exhibits a striking lime green body with subtle yellow hues and shimmering silver-blue legs. Adults typically reach about 2 cm in size. In the wild, these frogs are known for their complex reproductive behaviors, including the transport of tadpoles to water sources and feeding them with unfertilized eggs.
Key Features:
- Size: Approximately 2 cm (0.8 inches) as adults.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to 10-15 years in captivity.
- Diet: Primarily feeds on small invertebrates; in captivity, a diet of flightless fruit flies, springtails, and other appropriately sized prey is suitable.
- Behavior: Diurnal and terrestrial; males are territorial and have a distinctive call.
- Care Level: Advanced; suitable for experienced keepers due to specific husbandry requirements.
Habitat Requirements:
To ensure the well-being of your Oophaga pumilio “Punta Laurel,” it’s essential to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible:
- Enclosure:
- A vertically oriented terrarium with dimensions of at least 30 cm x 30 cm x 45 cm (12” x 12” x 18”) is recommended for a pair.
- Temperature:
- Maintain daytime temperatures between 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 80°F).
- Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly but should not fall below 18°C (65°F).
- Humidity:
- Keep humidity levels between 70% to 100%. Regular misting and a well-planted environment help maintain appropriate humidity.
- Substrate:
- Use moist substrates like sphagnum moss, coco fiber, or a combination, topped with leaf litter to mimic the forest floor.
- Décor:
- Incorporate live plants, branches, and hiding spots to provide enrichment and mimic their natural habitat.
- Water Source:
- Provide small, shallow water dishes or bromeliads to offer water sources for hydration and potential breeding sites.
- Lighting:
- Use low to moderate lighting to replicate natural daylight. UVB lighting is optional but can support plant growth and frog health.
Why Choose The Frogfather?
At The Frogfather, we are dedicated to providing ethically bred, healthy amphibians. Our Oophaga pumilio “Punta Laurel” dart frogs are captive-bred, ensuring they are free from wild-caught stressors and better adapted to captive conditions. We offer comprehensive care guidance to support you in creating the ideal environment for your new dart frogs.
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.
Oophaga social note: territorial and reproductive behaviour can make adult compatibility complex. Any established pair/trio offered here describes these particular animals; it should not be treated as a universal stocking recommendation for other Oophaga.
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 “pair”, “trio” or “group” 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 & Pašukonis (2019) – natural history and aggressive behaviour in Dendrobates tinctorius
- St Claire et al. – husbandry and care of dendrobatid frogs
