Defining Characteristics:
- Great beginner thumbnail
- Bright, yellow spots
- Bold
- Easy to breed
- Quiet call
- Small
- Great in Pairs or Groups
Name: Ranitomeya vanzolinii. Formerly known as Dendrobates vanzolinii, this frog is commonly known as the Brazilian Poison Dart Frog due to it's natural range. Commonly called vanzos in the hobby, or simply spotted poison frogs, these are quite a gem!
Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for 2-3 Ranitomeya vanzolinii, but we recommend a 20H or 18x18x18 Vivarium for 1-3 frogs.
Temperature: They can tolerate a temperature range of 65 F to 80 F, but prefer temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Temperatures over 85F are dangerous.
Humidity: Like most poison dart frogs, vanzoliniis prefer a humidity range of 80 – 100%, but can tolerate humidity down to 50% for short periods of time if the frogs have access to water. Low humidity levels, especially without access to water, can quickly be fatal.
Size: Adult female and male R. vanzolinii are similar in length, measuring in at around an inch. All of the Ranitomeya vanzolinii froglets we sell are well started juveniles, and measure approximately 1/2” long.
Age: Ranitomeya vanzolinii is capable of living well over 10 years in captivity under ideal conditions, although a lifespan of 5-8 years is more common.
Feeding: Like most poison dart frogs, vanzoliniis prefer smaller foods. All of the thumbnail dart frogs will readily eat Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adult Ranitomeya vanzolinii will readily consume Drosophila hydei fruit flies and pinhead crickets. All ages of poison dart frogs will enjoy springtails and isopods. All feeder insects should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement.
Sexing: Ranitomeya vanzolinii are fairly easy to sex as adults. Females are much wider than males, as they lay eggs frequently. We sell 2-3 month old juveniles that are not sexable unless otherwise noted.
Color/Pattern: Vanzos are fairly consistent in color and pattern. Exhibiting yellow dots or lines on a black background, they are a striking little thumbnaill dart frog!
Social Behavior: These frogs do well housed in groups their entire life as long as enough space is provided. We recommend approximately 5 gallons per frog. As they reach sexual maturity at 5-8 months of age, the social dynamic in a group of vanzolinii dart frogs may change and females may eat each other's eggs, although most will even breed together in the same film canister!
Breeding: Vanzos are not typically difficult frogs to breed. Best bred in pairs, males call to attract a female to a suitable egg laying site. Then, 2-6 eggs are laid on a smooth surface (often in a film canister or a bromeliad). The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which then take 60-80 days to complete metamorphosis into miniature versions of the adults. Tadpoles will feed on dead fruit flies, the standard frog and tadpole bites/sera micron fare, and even unfertilized eggs if left in with the adults!