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Dart Frogs
Golden Mantella
Mantella aurantiaca
IntermediateFamily Mantellidae
A brilliant-orange Madagascan frog — dart-frog-like care, a different family.
⚠️ Before anything else: Wild populations are threatened — keep captive-bred only.
📋 At a glance
- Tank
- Planted 18×18×18 in (4–6), leaf litter
- Temp
- Room temp low-mid 70s°F · stresses over 80°F
- Humidity
- 60–70% (up to 80% in breeding)
- Food
- Springtails, flightless fruit flies, dusted
- Lifespan
- Into its teens (few good records)
✅ Captive breeding has taken pressure off wild populations — a beautiful frog you can keep guilt-free if CB.
🛒 Before you buy
- A planted, bioactive-style viv with leaf litter
- Springtail + fruit-fly cultures going first
- A cool spot (low-mid 70s°F)
- CAPTIVE-BRED only — wild populations are threatened
A healthy one: Vivid orange · plump (~1 in) · active by day · clear eyes · CAPTIVE-BRED.
🚨 See a vet / act now if…
- Lethargy or hiding
- Weight loss or not eating
- Wobbling or seizures (calcium/vitamin)
- Dull, darkening colour
⛔ Never
- Wild-caught frogs
- Heat over 80°F
- Low humidity with no water
Common golden mantella questions
How hard are Golden Mantellas to keep — are they good for beginners?
Intermediate. Dart-frog-like care for a tiny Madagascan jewel — keep it cool and captive-bred.
What do Golden Mantellas eat?
Springtails, flightless fruit flies, dusted
What size tank do Golden Mantellas need?
Planted 18×18×18 in (4–6), leaf litter
What temperature do Golden Mantellas need?
Room temp low-mid 70s°F · stresses over 80°F
What humidity do Golden Mantellas need?
60–70% (up to 80% in breeding)
How long do Golden Mantellas live?
Into its teens (few good records)
What are the signs Golden Mantellas are sick?
See an exotics vet if you notice: Lethargy or hiding; Weight loss or not eating; Wobbling or seizures (calcium/vitamin); Dull, darkening colour.
🎓 Ready to go deeper?
Past the basics — genetics & morphs, responsible breeding, tankmates, and advanced setups. Same plain voice, no ceiling:
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