Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Commonly called the Banded Imitator Poison Dart Frog.
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Imitator refers to its ability to mimic the coloration of other dart frog species in the wild.
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The Banded morph is named for its bold black-and-yellow striped pattern across the body.
Characteristics
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Small, active, and highly visual frog.
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Known for complex social behaviors and being one of the few dart frogs to exhibit true monogamy in the wild.
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Famous for strong parental care, with both males and females involved in raising tadpoles.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair or trio.
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Larger setups (24” tall or more) are highly recommended because this is a vertical-climbing species.
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Heavily planted vivarium with bromeliads, vines, and cork bark works best.
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 temperatures above 80°F for long periods.
Humidity
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80–100%, with consistent misting and live plants.
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Bromeliads or water-holding plants are especially important for tadpole deposition.
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet consists primarily of small prey items: flightless fruit flies (D. melanogaster and D. hydei), springtails, isopods, and pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust prey regularly with calcium and vitamins.
Color/Pattern
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The Banded morph shows alternating yellow and black bands running laterally across the body.
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Limbs often display greenish or bluish tones.
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This pattern provides strong contrast and makes them a visually striking dart frog.
Social Behavior
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Can be kept in pairs or small groups if space allows.
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Known for social interactions and pair bonding.
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Less aggressive compared to Oophaga species but still monitor for dominance behaviors.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: slightly smaller, more vocal, and develop calling behavior.
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Females: larger, rounder body when gravid.
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Sexing juveniles can be difficult until maturity.
How to Breed
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Provide film canisters, petri dishes, or bromeliads for egg deposition.
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Males call to attract females, and eggs are laid on smooth surfaces.
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Both parents participate in tadpole transport to water-filled bromeliads.
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Tadpoles are fed unfertilized eggs by the female until metamorphosis.
