Dendrobates truncatus Dart Frog for Sale UK

Dendrobates truncatus, known as the Truncated Poison Dart Frog, is a dazzling Colombian species admired for its bold black-and-yellow patterning and strong, confident personality. These frogs are among the most visually striking in the Dendrobates group and make excellent display animals thanks to their size, activity level, and distinctive calls. If you’re looking for a dart frog that’s both hardy and outgoing, D. truncatus is a superb choice.

Origin & Distribution

This species is native to the northwestern rainforests of Colombia, particularly in the departments of Antioquia and Chocó. They inhabit humid lowland forests close to rivers and stream systems, often seen hopping across moss-covered roots and fallen logs. In their natural environment, they thrive under dense canopy cover with consistent humidity and scattered sunlight.

Size, Lifespan & Appearance

Dendrobates truncatus is a medium-sized dart frog, with adults reaching 30–40 mm in length. Their patterning consists of bright yellow or greenish stripes and bands over a jet-black base, creating a bold contrast that makes them instantly recognisable. Lifespan in captivity can exceed 10 years with good care, regular feeding, and stable environmental conditions.

Temperature & Humidity

Maintain daytime temperatures between 23–26 °C, dropping to around 21 °C at night. Humidity should stay in the 85–100% range. Daily misting helps simulate their rainforest environment; an automated system is ideal for long-term stability. These frogs appreciate moderate ventilation and steady moisture levels without excessive condensation on glass panels.

Vivarium Setup

Being terrestrial, D. truncatus thrives in enclosures that emphasise floor space. A 60 × 45 × 45 cm vivarium suits a pair or small group. A bioactive setup with a deep substrate, abundant leaf litter, and moss is perfect. Incorporate plants such as Philodendron and Pilea to maintain humidity and offer cover. For the best balance of ventilation and humidity retention, use a 3D Vented Vivarium from Frogfather, which allows excellent lighting and viewing while supporting natural airflow.

Diet

Dendrobates truncatus are active hunters with a strong feeding response. Offer a daily diet of fruit flies, springtails, and micro-crickets. Dust prey every second feed with All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust to maintain healthy skin, bones, and colouration. Their boldness at feeding time makes them highly enjoyable to watch.

Social Behaviour

This species can be kept in pairs or trios, though males may occasionally display territorial posturing. They are confident, rarely shy, and frequently seen exploring or basking on mossy surfaces. With their calm nature and frequent visibility, they are perfect for bioactive display enclosures and educational setups alike.

Calling & Activity

The male’s call is a clear, repetitive buzz that carries well but is not unpleasant. It’s more prominent than the calls of thumbnail frogs but softer than that of Phyllobates. Most calling occurs in the morning and evening, especially after misting. The rhythmic sound gives the vivarium a lively, rainforest ambience.

Breeding & Parental Care

Dendrobates truncatus breeds readily once mature. The female lays clutches of 4–6 eggs on smooth leaves or in film canisters placed close to the ground. The male guards the clutch and transports the tadpoles individually to water pools once they hatch. Tadpoles feed on detritus and small particles, completing metamorphosis in about 10 weeks. Their dependable breeding makes them an excellent species for both hobbyists and conservation breeders.

Visibility & Boldness

One of the standout traits of Dendrobates truncatus is its bold and interactive behaviour. These frogs are almost always visible, actively exploring and hunting during daylight hours. Their striking patterning and confident nature make them one of the best display dart frogs available in the UK market.

Availability in the UK

Dendrobates truncatus dart frogs for sale in the UK are occasionally offered by dedicated breeders. Frogfather UK sources only healthy, captive-bred specimens from ethical UK-based breeders. With their combination of beauty, size, and easy care, these frogs are ideal for both collectors and enthusiasts looking to add something eye-catching to their vivarium collection.

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