Ranitomeya vanzolinii Dart Frog for Sale UK

Ranitomeya vanzolinii, often called the Brazilian Spotted Poison Dart Frog, is one of the most fascinating and visually striking species in the hobby. Known for its shimmering blue-black body covered in pale spots and its rare parental care behaviours, this is a species that every serious dart frog keeper dreams of owning. Although small in size, their complex behaviour and striking appearance make them one of the most rewarding dart frogs to observe in a bioactive vivarium.

Origin & Distribution

This species is native to the upper Amazon Basin, primarily along the border regions of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. They inhabit humid rainforest understories, often around slow-moving water and within bromeliad tanks or leaf axils where humidity stays high year-round. In the wild, they live at altitudes up to 400 metres, enjoying a constantly moist, shaded environment.

Size, Lifespan & Appearance

R. vanzolinii adults typically reach around 18–20 mm, making them one of the smaller dart frog species. Despite their size, they are eye-catching—metallic blue-black skin, pale cream or golden spots, and bright yellow dorsal highlights. With proper care, these frogs can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Temperature & Humidity

Keep Ranitomeya vanzolinii between 22–25°C during the day, with a small drop at night. Humidity should be maintained between 85–100%. A light morning mist and a heavier evening mist help simulate their natural rainforest rhythm. Constant humidity is vital—this is a species that thrives in dense planting and requires a well-maintained misting or fogging system.

Vivarium Setup

This is a semi-arboreal frog that loves to climb but still spends plenty of time on low foliage and leaf litter. A vertically oriented vivarium with strong planting, cork tubes, and bromeliads is ideal. A 30×30×45 cm enclosure works well for a small group. Good ventilation with top and front vents prevents mould while retaining humidity. Bioactive substrates, springtails, and isopods help maintain a clean micro-ecosystem.

Diet

Feed daily with small live foods such as fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster and hydei), springtails, and micro-crickets. Supplement every other feed with our All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust to ensure perfect calcium and vitamin balance. Ranitomeya vanzolinii are avid hunters and will actively forage, making them entertaining to watch at feeding time.

Social Behaviour

Although peaceful, R. vanzolinii is best kept as a pair or a small group in a large, well-structured enclosure. Males can become territorial in smaller vivaria. They are a shy species at first but become bolder once established, often visible exploring the mid and upper levels of the tank. Watching them carry tadpoles on their backs is one of the most rewarding behaviours you’ll see in any amphibian.

Calling & Activity

Males produce a soft buzzing call to attract females. It’s gentle, far quieter than that of Dendrobates species, and can be heard mostly during humid evenings. Their subtle calls make them suitable even for living spaces where noise could be an issue.

Breeding & Parental Care

Ranitomeya vanzolinii exhibits remarkable parental care. The female deposits her eggs in small film canisters, bromeliads, or leaf cups. After hatching, the male carries tadpoles individually on his back to separate water pools, usually within bromeliads. The female then provides unfertilised eggs as food for the tadpoles—a rare and fascinating example of obligate egg-feeding. Breeding success depends on stable humidity, abundant foliage, and access to small water bodies.

Visibility & Boldness

Although they start shy, these frogs soon become more active and visible with stable conditions and routine care. Their natural curiosity and gentle calls make them perfect for well-planted display tanks. A mature group of R. vanzolinii can be breathtaking to watch as they dart between bromeliads under dappled light.

Availability in the UK

Due to their rarity and unique breeding habits, Ranitomeya vanzolinii dart frogs for sale in the UK are not always easy to find. They occasionally appear from specialist breeders or at UK reptile shows. Frogfather works with licensed UK breeders to ensure healthy, captive-bred specimens are available whenever possible, helping to support sustainable breeding programs.

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