Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Patricia’ is a classic, large-bodied dyeing dart frog with a bright yellow back, bold black banding and blue-mottled limbs. Confident, visible and wonderfully photogenic, this morph is a fantastic centrepiece for a planted, bioactive vivarium. If you’re after colour, personality and reliability, ‘Patricia’ is a superb choice.

Origin & Distribution

D. tinctorius originates from the Guiana Shield region of Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil. ‘Patricia’ is a captive line/morph developed in the hobby and valued for its clean yellow cap and contrasting body pattern.

Size, Lifespan & Appearance

• Adult size: 40–50 mm (one of the larger dart frogs)
• Lifespan: typically 10–15 years in captivity
• Look: bright yellow dorsum (“cap”), black body bands and blue legs with black mottling

Temperature & Humidity

• Day: 22–26 °C (night drop to ~20 °C)
• Moisture: provide humid refuges and species-appropriate moisture cycles with useful ventilation rather than a permanent 80–100% RH target
• Moderate ventilation to avoid stagnant air; maintain moist but well-drained substrate

Vivarium Setup (Terrestrial)

A horizontal footprint with plenty of floor space suits ‘Patricia’. A 60×45×45 cm enclosure is a practical starting point for a compatible pair. Adult D. tinctorius can be territorial, so trio/group housing should not be a default and separation space must be available. Provide deep leaf litter, patches of sphagnum, cork hides and sturdy plants (Philodendron, Pothos, Scindapsus). A vented 3D vivarium keeps humidity high with good front airflow.

Diet

Offer appropriately sized prey according to age, intake and body condition: fruit flies (melanogaster & hydei), springtails, micro-crickets and small isopods. Use All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust according to its current formulation-specific directions; do not stack fixed schedules automatically.

Social Behaviour & Visibility

Very bold and visible. Best kept as a pair or a female-heavy trio in spacious setups. Avoid multiple males in smaller enclosures. They quickly learn feeding routines and spend lots of time in the open.

Calling

Males have a soft buzzing/trilling call — audible but household-friendly. Calling increases after misting and in the early morning.

Breeding & Parental Care

Females lay eggs on smooth leaves, inside coco-huts or film canisters. The male guards and hydrates the clutch, then carries each tadpole on his back to shallow water (canisters or small pools). Tadpoles are not obligate egg-feeders and will accept prepared diets and biofilm; metamorphosis typically in 8–12 weeks.

Availability in the UK

Dendrobates tinctorius ‘Patricia’ dart frogs for sale in the UK are commonly available as captive-bred stock. Frogfather UK works with responsible breeders to offer robust, well-started juveniles whenever possible.

Quick Care Summary

• Type: Terrestrial, large-bodied Dendrobates
• Group size: Pair or female-heavy trio
• Temps: 22–26 °C day
• Moisture: species-appropriate humid refuges and useful ventilation; avoid a permanent fixed-RH target
• Diet: Small live foods, dusted regularly
• Breeding: Male guards eggs; transports tadpoles
• Call: Soft buzz/trill

FAQs

Is ‘Patricia’ suitable for beginners?

Yes — one of the best beginners’ dart frogs thanks to its size, boldness and forgiving nature.

Can I keep more than two?

Pairs are safest. Trios with one male, two females can work in larger enclosures with lots of cover.

Do they need a water feature?

Shallow pools/film canisters for tadpoles are useful; otherwise keep the land area moist with good drainage.

How loud is the call?

Soft, indoor-friendly buzz — much quieter than many tree frogs.