Epipedobates anthonyi Dart Frog for Sale UK

Epipedobates anthonyi, more commonly known as Anthony’s Dart Frog, is a hardy and attractive species ideal for both new and experienced keepers. With its shimmering bronze or copper body, creamy racing stripes, and gentle temperament, this frog adds both colour and charm to any bioactive vivarium. It’s one of the most forgiving dart frogs in terms of care, and its social nature makes it an absolute favourite among UK keepers.

Origin & Distribution

Epipedobates anthonyi is native to the southwestern regions of Ecuador and northern Peru, where it inhabits tropical and subtropical forests along the Pacific slopes. They live close to forest streams and shaded leaf-litter areas, where constant humidity and mild temperatures provide ideal breeding conditions. In the wild, they are often found in open, secondary forests and along the edges of clearings, making them naturally adaptable to a variety of captive setups.

Size, Lifespan & Appearance

This is a medium-sized dart frog, reaching around 25–30 mm in adulthood. Their copper-bronze sheen is beautifully offset by white or cream dorsolateral stripes that run from the snout to the hips. Some individuals exhibit subtle green or gold iridescence, especially under strong lighting. With good care and diet, Epipedobates anthonyi can live up to 12 years in captivity.

Temperature & Humidity

Maintain daytime temperatures between 22–26 °C with a gentle drop at night to 20 °C. Humidity should remain in the 80–100% range, achieved through daily misting or an automatic system. Ensure good airflow to prevent stagnant conditions, as this species enjoys a well-balanced, lightly ventilated environment. A dense planting of tropical plants will help maintain microclimates throughout the tank.

Vivarium Setup

Being terrestrial, Epipedobates anthonyi prefers more floor space than height. A 45 × 45 × 45 cm vivarium suits a pair or small group perfectly. Use a bioactive substrate topped with leaf litter, moss, and bark hides. Provide shallow pools, cork tubes, and smooth leaves for egg deposition. A 3D Vented Vivarium from Frogfather offers excellent ventilation and lighting for this active ground-dweller. Include live plants such as Pilea, Philodendron, and Selaginella for a natural aesthetic and humidity balance.

Diet

Feed daily with a rotation of small live foods, including fruit flies, springtails, and micro-crickets. Supplement every second feed with All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust to ensure complete nutrition. This formula replaces separate calcium, vitamin A, and pigmentation supplements — keeping things simple and consistent. Anthony’s Dart Frogs are enthusiastic feeders and easy to maintain once feeding routines are established.

Social Behaviour

Epipedobates anthonyi is a social and tolerant species, capable of living in small groups without issue. Males may call and display mild territoriality during the breeding season, but conflicts are rare in well-structured enclosures. Their confidence makes them highly visible — they are often seen moving across the leaf litter or perching on mossy logs. This behaviour makes them one of the best frogs for keepers who enjoy observing daily activity.

Calling & Activity

The males produce a soft, melodic trill that’s audible but not intrusive. It’s a gentle, rhythmic sound that enhances the natural rainforest atmosphere of any room. Calling is most frequent during early morning and after misting sessions, indicating healthy and content frogs.

Breeding & Parental Care

These frogs are reliable breeders once established. The female deposits her eggs on smooth, damp leaves or in small caves. The male guards and hydrates the eggs until they hatch, after which he carries the tadpoles on his back to shallow water areas or film canisters. The tadpoles feed on detritus and biofilm, metamorphosing in about 8–10 weeks. Their straightforward breeding behaviour and tolerance for group setups make them excellent candidates for captive propagation programs.

Visibility & Boldness

This species is highly visible and bold once settled. Unlike many smaller thumbnails, they rarely hide and quickly become accustomed to movement outside the vivarium. Their natural curiosity and strong feeding response make them one of the best display frogs available in the UK hobby.

Availability in the UK

Epipedobates anthonyi dart frogs for sale in the UK are regularly available thanks to their popularity and ease of breeding. Frogfather UK offers healthy, captive-bred specimens when in stock, sourced exclusively from responsible UK breeders. Their combination of bright colours, easy care, and active behaviour make them an excellent choice for any enthusiast looking to expand their collection.

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