Frogfather Advice and News

Frogfather is led by an experienced UK-based amphibian keeper, breeder, and vivarium designer with a proven track record in ethical dart frog care, mossy frog breeding, and rare isopod husbandry. Specialising in bioactive enclosures and DEFRA-compliant animal shipping, Frogfather shares expert guidance to help keepers create healthy, naturalistic habitats.

Very dark-coloured dart frog resting on leaf, illustrating natural pigmentation variation in dart frogs

Black Dart Frogs: Do “Pure Black” Poison Dart Frogs Exist, and What Causes the Dark Colour?

“Black dart frog” is one of those search phrases that

Comparison showing a typical brightly coloured dart frog alongside a melanistic dart frog, illustrating natural genetic variation rather than selective line breeding

Melanistic Dart Frogs, Morphs, and Selective Breeding: Ethics, Genetics, and the Reality of Nature

Melanistic Dart Frogs & Morphs: Ethics, Genetics & Natural Variation

Different dart frog species shown in a planted UK bioactive vivarium to illustrate price differences

Dart Frog Prices in the UK: Why Some Frogs Cost £60 and Others £200+

If you’re new to dart frogs, pricing can feel… random.

Loud and quiet dart frogs shown side by side in a planted UK bioactive vivarium

Loud vs Quiet Dart Frogs: What You Need to Know Before Buying

This is one of those topics people don’t always think

Visible dart frogs shown confidently in a planted UK bioactive vivarium

Dart Frogs You’ll Actually See (Not Shy!)

Let’s be brutally honest for a second. One of the

Best beginner dart frogs in the UK shown in a planted bioactive vivarium

Best Dart Frogs for Beginners (UK Guide)

Right. If you’re new to dart frogs, you’ve probably already

A gloved hand gently planting a small tropical plant into rich, dark substrate inside a bioactive vivarium

Substrate Microbiome: Harnessing Beneficial Microbes in Bioactive Vivariums for Dart Frogs

A healthy substrate isn’t just dirt — it’s alive. A thriving microbiome is the engine of every successful bioactive vivarium,

Dart frog vivarium room showing UPS battery, humidity controller, misting lines and safety signage

Risk-Free Frog Rooms: Power Backup, Alarm Systems & Biosecurity for Dart Frog Keepers

Why Risk Mitigation Is Essential A single power cut, failed misting system, or infected new frog can destroy years of

Selecting and Maintaining Vivarium Plants: A Scientific Guide for Dart Frog Setups

Choosing the right plants for your dart frog vivarium is more than an aesthetic decision. Plant health directly impacts humidity,

Water Quality & Chemistry in Bioactive Vivariums: A Scientific Guide for Dart Frog Keepers (UK Focus)

Water is the foundation of life in a dart frog vivarium. Yet for many keepers, it remains the least understood

Exotic vet inspecting a green and black dart frog for skin lesions under a magnifying lamp

Dart Frog Diseases & Parasites: The Complete UK Keeper’s Guide to Identification, Prevention & Treatment (2025 Edition)

Captive dart frogs are hardy once established, but their small size and permeable skin make them vulnerable to pathogens. Early

EU Exotic Pet Whitelist: Balancing Welfare, Trade, and Freedom – blog header with icons of frog

EU’s “Positive List” for Exotic Pets: What, Why, and Why Now

The European Union is edging ever closer to adopting a “Positive List”—a restrictive whitelist of species that may legally be

The IHS Show Cancelled – A Turning Point for Animal Welfare in Herpetoculture

Why the June 22nd Reptile Event Was Pulled — And Why We at Frogfather Support the Decision On June 6th,

Infographic showing the benefits of Indian Almond Leaves in vivariums, aquariums, and for making frog tea. Highlights include slow-decaying leaf litter, microfauna support, tannin release, and their use in bioactive setups

Why Use Indian Almond Leaves in Bioactive Setups, Aquariums, and Tadpole Tea?

Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa), often referred to as catappa leaves, are one of nature’s most powerful yet underrated tools

Overhead view of a lush, planted vivarium with soft, natural lighting simulating rainforest conditions for dart frogs"

Understanding Circadian Rhythm in Vivariums: Why Light Matters for Dart Frogs

Creating a thriving vivarium isn’t just about plants, misting, or humidity—it’s about replicating nature’s daily rhythms. One of the most

A step-by-step visual guide showing how to clean vivarium glass safely. Includes icons for citric acid use, a razor blade scraping algae, removing Euro doors, and drying glass. Also includes dos and don’ts for cleaning vivariums.

How to Clean Vivarium Glass Safely – A Complete Guide for Frog and Vivarium Keepers

Crystal-clear vivarium glass isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about maintaining optimal living conditions for your frogs, reptiles, and bioactive inhabitants. Over