Golfo dulcean Poison arrow Frog (Phyllobates tinctorius vittatus ) P. vittatus lives in the wet forest areas of the Golfo Dulce on the Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica. They are small, active during the day and have vivid colours. Wild dart frogs have toxic skin secretions to deter predators. Most of these toxins are not present in captive bred frogs, so they do not present the same hazard as wild frogs. dart frogs can live for up to 10-15 years in captivity with the proper care. Enclosures A glass vivarium (purpose-made with sliding glass doors or converted aquaria) are the best choice. Some ventilation is required so that high humidity is maintained without stagnant air. Approximately 5 liters (1 gallon) per adult frog is the minimum space requirement, but the more space the better. Dart frogs can climb vertical glass surfaces with ease and squeeze through tiny gaps, as can their insect food. If fruit flies can escape from a vivarium, it is not suitable for dart frogs. Humidity should be such that there is a trace of condensation on the glass somewhere in the vivarium at all times. a daily misting and feeding allows time to observe and interact with the frogs, The vivarium needs a suitable substrate. pea gravel with a layer of soil mix with oak or magnolia leaves on top works very well. Water can be provided by forming a dam to make a shallow pond in one corner of the vivarium, or by providing a shallow water dish. If a water dish is used, this should be cleaned frequently. The vivarium should be well planted with plants which will survive the constant humidity. Fluorescent lights and a timer should be used to provide approximately 12 hours lighting per day. Dart frogs do not require ultraviolet (UV) light if they are given vitamin and mineral supplements with their food , although suitable UV lights for vivaria can be used and some keepers claim that this provides health benefits for the frogs. Dart frogs inhabit primarily shady areas, so if UV illumination is used, it should not be too intense. Temperature / Heating Although dart frogs come from the tropics, they live in cool micro habitats such as the shady forest floor. Heat kills far more dart frogs than cold. Suitable temperatures for dart frogs are 20-27°C (70-80°F), although they will easily tolerate temperatures down to 15°C (60°F) overnight in winter. Temperatures above 27°C (80°F) must be avoided as the frogs will be likely to die. A drop in temperature of a few degrees overnight is beneficial to the frogs. Lighting increases the temperature of the vivarium so in most domestic circumstances, no additional heating is necessary . Never allow direct sunlight to shine on the vivarium. and during heat waves, air conditioning may be required to keep the temperature of the vivarium within acceptable limits. Feeding Dart frogs will only eat small living food which moves. Fruit flies (Drosophila) are a suitable basic food source for captive dart frogs. The frogs must have a constant supply of food. Dart frogs will eat a range of small living prey items and variety is healthy for the frogs. Captive dart frogs require vitamin and mineral supplements. All food items should be dusted with a suitable vitamin and mineral supplement designed for reptile and amphibian use either at each feeding or at least once a week. Shake the excess dust from the flies before placing in the vivarium. Adult frogs should be fed 2-4 times a week. All the food items from the previous feeding should have been eaten before the next feed. If not, feed less next time. Breeding Phyllobates vittatus is an easy to keep and breed species. A couple can be kept in a vivarium of 40 X 40 X 50(h) cm. Make sure a lot of hiding places are present like pieces of wood, rocks, bromeliads, etc and a high humidity. A small water area is required to take the larvae to. Temperatures of ca. 25°C during the day, dropping to 20°C at night. A male and a female does not guarantee a breeding couple, for they are quite picky. When the couple has accepted each other they will breed in high quantities (they can lay up to twice a week). The 10 to 25 eggs are laid in a hollow (e.g. a petri dish under a cocohut) and will be guarded by the male. The eggs hatch after about 18 days. The larvae are brought, on the back of the male, to open water. They can be raised together and complete their metamorphosis in about two months. The froglets feed on small fruit flies and springtails.