Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Tumucumaque Peacock Dart Frog, Peacock Tinctorius.
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Tinctorius = “dyer’s frog,” from early indigenous use in dyes/poisons.
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“Tumucumaque” refers to the Tumucumaque Mountains region (Brazil/Guiana Shield), where this morph is found.
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“Peacock” describes its dazzling blue, green, and black coloration that resembles peacock feather tones.
Characteristics
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Large-bodied, boldly patterned dart frog.
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Hardy and striking, often used as a showcase morph for D. tinctorius.
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More terrestrial than some dart frog species, though they will climb low plants and structures.
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) are ideal for trios or small groups.
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Provide leaf litter, cork bark, and dense planting for cover.
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 exposure above 80°F.
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, springtails, isopods, pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust prey with calcium and multivitamins several times weekly.
Color/Pattern
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Striking morph with a black base body covered in iridescent green, turquoise, or blue blotches and spotting.
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Limbs typically show electric blue coloration with black reticulations.
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Each frog’s pattern is unique — some have heavier spotting, others larger patches.
Social Behavior
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Can be housed in pairs or small groups with sufficient space.
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Males may show territorial behavior during breeding, so visual barriers are helpful.
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Generally bold and visible compared to shy dart frog species.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, with more prominent toe pads; produce soft buzzing calls.
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Females: larger, rounder-bodied when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide film canisters, petri dishes, or large flat leaves for egg-laying.
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Males call softly to attract females; eggs are laid in concealed, moist areas.
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Eggs hatch in ~10–14 days; tadpoles can be raised in aquatic setups.
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Metamorphosis occurs in 2–3 months depending on care and diet.
🌟 Dendrobates tinctorius “Tumucumaque Peacock” is prized for its iridescent, jewel-like patterning and is considered one of the showiest tinctorius morphs, perfect for collectors and display enclosures.
