Phyllobates Terribilis care sheet
WRITTEN BY D.KNIGHT
INTRODUCTION
Phyllobates Terribilis are one of the larger, more bold species of denrobatid frogs. Males will obtain a snout to vent length of 37mm and females are slightly larger at 41mm. They are from the Family Dendrobatidae, and genus Phyllobates, originating throughout Colombia were they are a diurnal species. Unlike most captive Dendrobatid frogs these bold dendrobates will stand proud and not be phased by people looking in through the tank.
COLOURS AND MORPHS
Phyllobates Terribilis have only three known colour morphs. The typical morph is a solid yellow coloration, but some individuals may have black toes. The second morph is identical except the colour is orange. The final morph is completely different, the frog is a mint colour and can almost appear white rather than green.
INTRODUCTION
Phyllobates Terribilis are one of the larger, more bold species of denrobatid frogs. Males will obtain a snout to vent length of 37mm and females are slightly larger at 41mm. They are from the Family Dendrobatidae, and genus Phyllobates, originating throughout Colombia were they are a diurnal species. Unlike most captive Dendrobatid frogs these bold dendrobates will stand proud and not be phased by people looking in through the tank.
COLOURS AND MORPHS
Phyllobates Terribilis have only three known colour morphs. The typical morph is a solid yellow coloration, but some individuals may have black toes. The second morph is identical except the colour is orange. The final morph is completely different, the frog is a mint colour and can almost appear white rather than green.
TOXINS
In captivity Phyllobates Terribilis are not toxic, there toxins are produced from their natural diet. There is much research into what part of their diet causes this toxin and it is believed to come from fire ants and other small inverts. Wild caught specimens of P.Terribilis may stay toxic for over 5 years in captivity so extreme care should be taken.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
Phyllobates Terribilis require allot of space, a vivarium of 24x24x24 will house an adult trio. Phyllobates Terribilis are not as terratorial as most Dendrobatid frogs so can happily be kept in groups, providing enough space is provided. They are a stricktly terestrial species that will rarley show interest in leaving the floor, They are poor climbers but may make use of low accents if an easy route is provided. A well planted Vivarium with plants such as Bromeliads, Begonias, and climbers will make an atractive and natural looking vivarium. Some hides should be provided as well as an area of open space. Live moss will also help with the look as well as keeping the humidity raised. Eco earth or coco husk with a covering of dead leaves, twigs and nut shells make an ideal substrates and should be given drainage by means of a false bottom or a deep layer of hydroleca. The viavrium should have an escape prof lid constructed of either glass or plastic. Screen style tops should also be covered with glass or plastic panels. This is vital in keeping the humidity raised in the vivarium and will also prevent small prey items from escaping. When choosing the lid of the vivarium it is important to remember that most, if not all the UVB rays will be filtered out by most glass and plastics, so care should be taken in choosing a suitable material.
In captivity Phyllobates Terribilis are not toxic, there toxins are produced from their natural diet. There is much research into what part of their diet causes this toxin and it is believed to come from fire ants and other small inverts. Wild caught specimens of P.Terribilis may stay toxic for over 5 years in captivity so extreme care should be taken.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
Phyllobates Terribilis require allot of space, a vivarium of 24x24x24 will house an adult trio. Phyllobates Terribilis are not as terratorial as most Dendrobatid frogs so can happily be kept in groups, providing enough space is provided. They are a stricktly terestrial species that will rarley show interest in leaving the floor, They are poor climbers but may make use of low accents if an easy route is provided. A well planted Vivarium with plants such as Bromeliads, Begonias, and climbers will make an atractive and natural looking vivarium. Some hides should be provided as well as an area of open space. Live moss will also help with the look as well as keeping the humidity raised. Eco earth or coco husk with a covering of dead leaves, twigs and nut shells make an ideal substrates and should be given drainage by means of a false bottom or a deep layer of hydroleca. The viavrium should have an escape prof lid constructed of either glass or plastic. Screen style tops should also be covered with glass or plastic panels. This is vital in keeping the humidity raised in the vivarium and will also prevent small prey items from escaping. When choosing the lid of the vivarium it is important to remember that most, if not all the UVB rays will be filtered out by most glass and plastics, so care should be taken in choosing a suitable material.
LIGHTING
Although Phyllobates Terribilis naturally inhabit the forest floor under the cover of the tree canopy, they are still subjected to exposure from U.V rays and full spectrum lighting. UVB can be very beneficial to Phyllobates Terribilis, it will aid them in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. A 5% tube with a reflector will provide them with substantial exposure and help promote plant growth. Full spectrum lighting may also be beneficial to both frogs and plants, and will contain a level of UVB.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Phyllobates Terribilis are from cool, rainy forests so they require high humidity's of 80% plus. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water at least once a day, and never allowed to fully dry out. A temperature some were between 68 and 78 degrees in the day is required, with a drop to around 65 degrees at night. The day time temperature should never be allowed to reach 80 or above as P.Terribilis is very sensative to this, and it may lead to stress or illness.
FEEDING
Phyllobates Terribilis are vicious eaters and will consume foods as large as adult crickets, however crickets and other food items should be sized accordingly depending on the size and age of the frog. Hydei, waxworms and phoenix worms should also be offered to help keep the diet balanced. Offering the correct sized food is important as it will reduce the risk of prolapses and chocking, but P.Terribilis may show no interest in samll prey items so care in selecting the correct size is important to the upkeep of this species. Feeding the right amounts can be a tricky game, feeding should be judged on how many feeder items are consumed within 2 minuets. Adults should be fed every other day, and Juveniles do best offered food daily but in smaller quantities. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential, and should be dusted onto the food before it is offered to the frog. It is very important that the supplyments are replaced every six months.
WATERING
A Very shallow water area should be provided as Phyllobates Terribilis will use it to replenish their natural water reserve, BUT they are very poor swimmers and will drown easily. The area or dish should be changed daily using de-chlorinated water.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Phyllobates Terribilis do not like or get used to being handled.When keeping P.Terribilis It is important to establish the were the animal came from as wild caught specamins carry a deadly poison called Batrachotoxin, which is potent enough to kill a man.
CONCLUSION
Phyllobates Terribilis are a bould attractive species of dendrobates that are well suited to the beginner. The non agressive nature and flexable feeding requirments make them an idea first species. WC specamins should e avoided due to there high toxicity and
Although Phyllobates Terribilis naturally inhabit the forest floor under the cover of the tree canopy, they are still subjected to exposure from U.V rays and full spectrum lighting. UVB can be very beneficial to Phyllobates Terribilis, it will aid them in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. A 5% tube with a reflector will provide them with substantial exposure and help promote plant growth. Full spectrum lighting may also be beneficial to both frogs and plants, and will contain a level of UVB.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Phyllobates Terribilis are from cool, rainy forests so they require high humidity's of 80% plus. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water at least once a day, and never allowed to fully dry out. A temperature some were between 68 and 78 degrees in the day is required, with a drop to around 65 degrees at night. The day time temperature should never be allowed to reach 80 or above as P.Terribilis is very sensative to this, and it may lead to stress or illness.
FEEDING
Phyllobates Terribilis are vicious eaters and will consume foods as large as adult crickets, however crickets and other food items should be sized accordingly depending on the size and age of the frog. Hydei, waxworms and phoenix worms should also be offered to help keep the diet balanced. Offering the correct sized food is important as it will reduce the risk of prolapses and chocking, but P.Terribilis may show no interest in samll prey items so care in selecting the correct size is important to the upkeep of this species. Feeding the right amounts can be a tricky game, feeding should be judged on how many feeder items are consumed within 2 minuets. Adults should be fed every other day, and Juveniles do best offered food daily but in smaller quantities. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential, and should be dusted onto the food before it is offered to the frog. It is very important that the supplyments are replaced every six months.
WATERING
A Very shallow water area should be provided as Phyllobates Terribilis will use it to replenish their natural water reserve, BUT they are very poor swimmers and will drown easily. The area or dish should be changed daily using de-chlorinated water.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Phyllobates Terribilis do not like or get used to being handled.When keeping P.Terribilis It is important to establish the were the animal came from as wild caught specamins carry a deadly poison called Batrachotoxin, which is potent enough to kill a man.
CONCLUSION
Phyllobates Terribilis are a bould attractive species of dendrobates that are well suited to the beginner. The non agressive nature and flexable feeding requirments make them an idea first species. WC specamins should e avoided due to there high toxicity and