Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Azureus Dart Frog, Blue Poison Dart Frog.
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“Azureus” comes from the Latin word for sky blue, describing its striking coloration.
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Once considered a separate species (Dendrobates azureus), it is now recognized as a locality/morph of D. tinctorius.
Characteristics
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Bold, robust dart frog with vivid blue coloration.
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Hardy and commonly available in the pet trade, making it one of the most recognizable dart frogs worldwide.
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More terrestrial than some dart frogs, often found exploring the ground level of the enclosure.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair.
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Larger setups (24” x 18” x 18” or bigger) recommended for groups.
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Provide hiding spots with cork bark, leaf litter, and live plants.
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 sustained exposure above 80°F.
Humidity
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70–90%, maintained with daily misting.
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Needs damp microclimates but benefits from some airflow to prevent stagnation.
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Main diet: flightless fruit flies (D. melanogaster and D. hydei).
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Supplements: springtails, isopods, pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week.
Color/Pattern
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Striking sky-blue body with darker navy or black spots.
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Each frog has a unique spot pattern, like a fingerprint.
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Less variation than other D. tinctorius morphs, making them easily recognizable.
Social Behavior
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Can be kept in pairs or small groups, though males may display dominance.
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Generally bold and visible during the day.
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Less arboreal than other dart frogs — they spend most of their time on the ground.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, with more distinct toe pads. Call with a soft buzzing trill.
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Females: larger, rounder, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide smooth, moist laying sites such as film canisters, petri dishes, or broad leaves.
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Males call to attract females, and eggs are laid in secluded spots.
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Eggs hatch in 10–14 days; tadpoles are collected and raised in aquatic setups.
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Tadpoles metamorphose into froglets in 2–3 months depending on diet and conditions.
