Ranitomeya imitator Dart Frog for Sale UK

Ranitomeya imitator, commonly known as the Imitator Dart Frog, is one of the most fascinating amphibians in the dart frog hobby. Named for its extraordinary ability to mimic other frog species’ colours and patterns, it’s a small, active, and intelligent frog that thrives in lush, planted vivaria. This species is not only beautiful to look at but also remarkable for its advanced parental care — one of the few dart frogs that raises its tadpoles as a cooperative pair.

Origin & Distribution

Native to the upper Amazon Basin of northeastern Peru, R. imitator inhabits tropical rainforests rich in vegetation and high humidity. Populations are often found at altitudes of 200–800 metres, living among bromeliads, mossy trunks, and dense foliage. Each morph (such as “Chazuta”, “Varadero”, and “Banded”) mimics the appearance of another local dart frog species — a natural marvel of evolutionary adaptation.

Size, Lifespan & Appearance

Adults grow to around 18–22 mm in length. Their colouration varies dramatically between localities, but most display vivid yellows, greens, or oranges contrasted with black banding. Despite their small size, they’re one of the most striking dart frogs in any collection. With correct care and diet, Ranitomeya imitator can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Temperature & Humidity

Maintain daytime temperatures between 22–26°C and humidity around 85–100%. A gentle drop to 20°C at night encourages natural activity and breeding. Use automated misting or a fogger to keep humidity consistent — dry spells should be avoided entirely.

Vivarium Setup

This is a semi-arboreal species that thrives in well-planted vertical vivaria. A bioactive 3D vivarium with bromeliads, cork bark, and leaf litter is perfect. Provide small water-holding plants or film canisters for egg laying and tadpole deposition. Good air circulation helps prevent stagnant humidity, while LED lighting and a gentle UVB source support plant growth and frog health.

Diet

Feed daily with small live foods like fruit flies, springtails, and pinhead crickets. Ranitomeya imitator has a high metabolism and prefers smaller prey items. Dust all live food with our All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust to provide complete nutrition and avoid the need for multiple supplements.

Social Behaviour

Unlike many dart frogs, R. imitator can be kept successfully in small groups or pairs. They are generally peaceful, though males may occasionally display territorial behaviour during breeding. Their confidence and activity level make them excellent display frogs — they’re far less shy than most of their genus, often seen foraging and calling throughout the day.

Calling & Activity

Males produce a distinctive soft, insect-like buzz that’s easily audible but not intrusive. They call frequently during daylight hours, especially after misting. Their consistent calling and visible courtship behaviour make them one of the most enjoyable dart frogs to keep in a home or public display setting.

Breeding & Parental Care

Ranitomeya imitator is famous for its exceptional biparental care. The female lays a small clutch of eggs in bromeliads or film canisters, and the male guards and hydrates them until hatching. Once the tadpoles are ready, the male carries them individually on his back to water pools within bromeliads. Both parents feed them with unfertilised eggs, making this one of the few species known to exhibit cooperative parental behaviour. Breeding is regular once pairs are established, often year-round in stable conditions.

Visibility & Boldness

Ranitomeya imitator is one of the boldest and most active thumbnail dart frogs available. They’re rarely hidden, and their habit of climbing, calling, and hopping between leaves makes them an absolute joy to watch. This visibility, combined with their small size and gentle calls, makes them perfect for bioactive display tanks in any home.

Availability in the UK

Captive-bred Ranitomeya imitator dart frogs for sale in the UK are fairly common thanks to their ease of breeding and popularity among UK hobbyists. Frogfather works closely with responsible UK breeders to offer healthy, vibrant captive-bred specimens when available. Their mix of beauty, behaviour, and manageability makes them an ideal introduction to the Ranitomeya genus.

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