Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Capurganá Auratus Dart Frog, (Capurganá morph).
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Auratus means “golden” in Latin, originally describing some golden-tinted forms.
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The Capurganá morph is named after the Capurganá region in Colombia, where this particular locality was collected.
Characteristics
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Medium-sized dart frog with bold coloration and pattern.
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Slightly shy compared to other Dendrobates species but becomes bolder in well-planted enclosures.
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Known for unique Capurganá morph coloration: often lighter green or yellow with distinctive banding/spotting.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair or trio.
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Larger enclosures (24” x 18” x 18” or bigger) recommended for groups.
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Provide dense live plants, leaf litter, cork, and horizontal/vertical climbing areas.
Temperature
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Daytime: 72–78°F (22–25°C).
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Nighttime: 68–72°F (20–22°C).
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Avoid prolonged temps above 80°F.
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, springtails, isopods, and pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust feeders with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week.
Color/Pattern
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Capurganá morphs usually display yellow or mint-green base coloration with bold black banding or blotches.
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The pattern tends to be less irregular and more band-like compared to other auratus morphs.
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Each frog’s markings are unique.
Social Behavior
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Can be kept in pairs or small groups.
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Less aggressive than some D. tinctorius morphs, but males may compete for calling sites.
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Shy in open setups but thrive in heavily planted vivaria.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, with toe pads adapted for calling; produce soft trilling calls.
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Females: larger, rounder-bodied when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide petri dishes, film canisters, or leaf axils for egg-laying.
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Males call to attract females; eggs are laid in concealed, moist areas.
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Eggs hatch in 10–14 days; tadpoles can be collected and raised in aquatic setups.
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Metamorphosis occurs in 2–3 months depending on diet and conditions.
🌿 D. auratus “Capurganá” is admired for its yellow green/black coloration and makes a great intermediate dart frog — hardy but slightly shyer than leucomelas or azureus.
