Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Green Sipaliwini Dart Frog, Green Sip.
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Tinctorius = “dyer’s frog,” referring to indigenous use of skins for dyes/poisons.
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The “Green Sipaliwini” morph comes from the Sipaliwini savanna region of Suriname, named for its distinctive green/yellow coloration compared to other tinctorius morphs.
Characteristics
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Medium-to-large dart frog with bold, contrasting colors.
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Hardy and relatively easy to care for compared to smaller Ranitomeya species.
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Primarily terrestrial but will climb low plants and cork 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) recommended for trios or groups.
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Provide leaf litter, cork bark, and broad-leaved plants for cover and egg deposition.
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
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, springtails, isopods, and pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust feeders with calcium and multivitamins regularly.
Color/Pattern
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Typically bright green to yellow dorsal coloration with irregular black banding/spots.
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Legs often show a bluish or greenish tint with dark reticulations.
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Pattern and brightness vary but the green/yellow tones distinguish this morph from classic tinctorius (like Azureus).
Social Behavior
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Best housed as pairs or trios.
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Males may display territorial behavior, especially in smaller setups.
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Bold and visible, often spending time on the forest floor.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, with more pronounced toe pads; produce soft buzzing calls.
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Females: larger, rounder body when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide film canisters, petri dishes, or broad leaves as egg-laying sites.
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Males call to attract females; eggs are deposited in moist secluded areas.
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Eggs hatch in ~10–14 days; tadpoles are transported to water and raised until metamorphosis (~2–3 months).
🌿 D. tinctorius “Green Sipaliwini” is valued for its striking green-and-black coloration and hardy care needs, making it a great choice for both display collections and breeding projects.
