Oophaga pumilio ‘Blue Jeans’ is the iconic “red with blue legs” strawberry dart frog from Central America. Small, vibrant and packed with personality, this is one of the most sought-after display species for planted, bioactive vivaria. Their bold colour and fascinating parental care make them a captivating choice for keepers who love behaviour as much as looks.
Origin & Distribution
Native to the Caribbean slopes of Costa Rica and western Panama, typically in humid lowland rainforest near streams and bromeliad-rich leaf litter. Local populations vary in shade and intensity of red and blue.
Size, Lifespan & Appearance
- Adult size: 18–22 mm (thumbnail class)
- Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity with good care
- Look: vivid red/orange body with blue to navy limbs — the classic “blue jeans” pattern
Temperature & Humidity
- Day: 22–26 °C (night ~20 °C)
- Humidity: 85–100% with morning & evening misting or automated system
- Moderate ventilation and dense planting for stable microclimates
Vivarium Setup (Semi-arboreal)
A vertical or cube enclosure (e.g. 30×30×45 cm for a pair) with thick leaf litter, cork, vines and bromeliads. Bioactive substrate and strong planting (Philodendron, Pilea, moss) keep humidity stable. A vented 3D vivarium balances airflow with moisture retention.
Diet
Daily small live foods: fruit flies (melanogaster & hydei), springtails, micro-crickets. Dust every second feed with our All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust to simplify supplementation and support colour, growth and breeding.
Social Behaviour & Visibility
Best as a pair or trio (one male to two females). Males hold small territories around calling/egg sites. Once established, ‘Blue Jeans’ are confident and visible, often perched on leaves at mid-height.
Calling
Males produce a soft, high-pitched buzz — audible but indoor-friendly. Expect calling after misting and at first light.
Breeding & Parental Care
Eggs are laid on smooth, sheltered leaves or film canisters. The male guards and hydrates the clutch, then carries each tadpole on his back to water-holding plants. Females provide unfertilised eggs as food — classic Oophaga obligate egg-feeding. Tadpoles metamorphose in ~10–12 weeks.
Availability in the UK
Oophaga pumilio ‘Blue Jeans’ dart frogs for sale in the UK appear periodically from specialist, captive-bred lines. Frogfather UK works with responsible breeders to offer robust, well-started animals when available.
Quick Care Summary
- Type: Thumbnail, semi-arboreal
- Group size: Pair or 1.2 trio
- Temps: 22–26 °C
- Humidity: 85–100%
- Diet: Small live foods, dusted regularly
- Breeding: Male transports; female egg-feeds tadpoles
- Call: Soft, high-pitched buzz
FAQs
Is ‘Blue Jeans’ suitable for beginners?
Best for confident beginners to intermediate keepers who can maintain high humidity and provide bromeliads.
Can they live in groups?
Pairs or trios work; avoid multiple males in small enclosures.
Do they require bromeliads?
Strongly recommended for security and for tadpole deposition.
How loud is the call?
Quiet and indoor-friendly — more of a soft buzz than a croak.
