Oophaga granulifera Dart Frog for Sale UK

Oophaga granulifera, the Granulate Poison Dart Frog, is a stunning species known for its bright red body, greenish-blue limbs, and fascinating parental care. Native to Central America’s rainforests, this species combines brilliant colouration with captivating behaviour, making it one of the most rewarding dart frogs for dedicated keepers. Their beauty and rarity make them a prized addition to any advanced collection.

Origin & Distribution

Oophaga granulifera inhabits the humid lowland and foothill forests of the Pacific slopes of Costa Rica and western Panama. These frogs live near forest streams and moist ravines where humidity remains high throughout the year. They prefer shaded microhabitats with dense moss, bromeliads, and decaying leaves — environments that allow them to lay eggs and raise tadpoles in natural water-filled plants.

Size, Lifespan & Appearance

Adults reach about 25–30 mm in length. Their most distinctive feature is the brilliant red-orange body that contrasts sharply with their metallic green or turquoise limbs. The skin has a granular texture, giving the species its name. Lifespans in captivity can exceed 10 years under consistent, high-humidity conditions and a balanced diet.

Temperature & Humidity

Maintain daytime temperatures between 22–25 °C and nighttime temperatures around 20 °C. Humidity should stay consistently high at 90–100%. Frequent misting or an automated system is essential. They thrive in dense, tropical planting with stable moisture levels and soft ambient lighting — replicating their shaded rainforest environment.

Vivarium Setup

Oophaga granulifera is a semi-arboreal species that prefers climbing low foliage and living within bromeliads. A vertically oriented vivarium (45 × 45 × 60 cm or larger) is ideal. Incorporate a deep layer of leaf litter, live moss, and abundant climbing surfaces such as cork bark, vines, and bromeliad clusters. The 3D Vented Vivarium from Frogfather provides excellent visibility and airflow while maintaining high humidity. A gentle cross breeze and shaded lighting will help them display their full natural colouration.

Diet

Feed daily with small live foods such as fruit flies (both melanogaster and hydei), springtails, and micro-crickets. Oophaga granulifera benefits from a varied diet rich in vitamins and carotenoids. Use All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust at every second feeding to ensure vibrant colouration and strong development. Their active foraging and feeding behaviours make them fascinating to watch.

Social Behaviour

This species is territorial, especially males, and should be kept as pairs or trios (one male to two females). Each frog will establish a preferred area of the enclosure, often near a favourite bromeliad or calling site. They are intelligent and observant, often learning feeding routines and becoming confident in the presence of their keeper. When settled, they are moderately bold and frequently visible during the day.

Calling & Activity

Males produce a soft buzzing or trilling call used to court females and defend territory. The sound is subtle, gentle, and perfectly suited to indoor enclosures. Activity peaks in the morning and evening, with males often perched high on leaves when calling. They remain active year-round if kept under consistent conditions.

Breeding & Parental Care

Oophaga granulifera is one of the most fascinating frogs in the hobby due to its intensive parental care. The female lays eggs on smooth, moist surfaces, which the male guards and hydrates. Once the eggs hatch, the male carries the tadpoles on his back to water-holding bromeliads. The female then visits each tadpole regularly, feeding it with unfertilised eggs. This obligate egg-feeding behaviour ensures that each tadpole develops in isolation and receives all necessary nutrients directly from its mother. Breeding success depends on high humidity, bromeliad access, and consistent misting cycles.

Visibility & Boldness

Although initially cautious, Oophaga granulifera becomes increasingly bold once settled. They’re often seen exploring bromeliads or sitting on elevated leaves, their bright red colour contrasting vividly with green foliage. Their combination of beauty, behaviour, and intelligence makes them one of the most rewarding dart frogs for experienced enthusiasts.

Availability in the UK

Oophaga granulifera dart frogs for sale in the UK are considered rare and highly desirable. They are usually offered only by specialist breeders. Frogfather UK works exclusively with responsible captive-breeding partners to ensure all specimens are healthy, ethically sourced, and adapted to life in a controlled environment. Their rarity, coupled with their stunning colours and fascinating parental care, makes them one of the jewels of the dart frog hobby.

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