Defining Characteristics:
- Great beginner frog
- White and black coloration
- Bold
- Easy to breed
- Quiet call
- Large
- Can be kept in groups when young
- Best kept in pairs as adults
Name: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Oyapok'. Commonly the Dyeing Poison Dart Frog (based on an early belief that natives used brightly colored frogs to dye fabric). In the hobby, simply known as Oyapoks. Sometimes, this is spelled 'Oyapock', most likely in reference to the Oyapock River which forms the border between French Guiana and Brazil.
Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for a single Dendrobates tinctorius 'Oyapok', but we recommend a 20H or 18x18x18 Vivarium for 1-3 frogs.
Dendrobates Tinctorius "Oyapok"
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, Oyapoks prefer a humidity range of 70 – 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 Oyapoks measure in at about 1.5-1.75 inches. Male Oyapok are a bit smaller, averaging about 1.25 inches at maturity. All of the Dendrobates tinctorius 'Oyapok' froglets Josh's Frogs sells are well started juveniles, and measure approximately 3/4” long. These are a smaller sized tinctorius.
Age: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Oyapok' is capable of living well over 20 years in captivity under ideal conditions, although a lifespan of 10 years is more common. In the wild, it is thought that Oyapok may live 4-6 years. All Oyapoks for sale at Josh's Frogs are well started juveniles, and are 2-3 months old.
Feeding: Like most poison dart frogs, Oyapoks prefer smaller foods. All of the Oyapoks Josh's Frogs sells will readily eat Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adult Dendrobates tinctorius 'Oyapok' 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. For more information on what poison dart frogs can eat, please visit our How-To Guide on Feeding Poison Dart Frogs.
Sexing: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Oyapok' is not sexable until 10-12 months of age. Male Oyapok tend to be smaller than females, which often appear both longer and wider. Males also tend to have wider front toe pads and a less defined back arch than females. Josh's Frogs sells 2-3 month old juveniles that are not sexable unless otherwise noted. For more information on sexing poison dart frogs, please visit our How-To Guide on Sexing Poison Dart Frogs.
Social Behavior: These frogs do well housed in groups up to sexual maturity, as long as enough space is provided. Josh's Frogs recommends approximately 10 gallons per frog. As they reach sexual maturity at 10-12 months of age, the social dynamic in a group of Dendrobates tinctorius may change, and all but one female may need to be removed. Female D. tinctorius may fight with each other over a mate. For that reason, many breeders recommend keeping Oyapoks in pairs as adults. Josh's Frogs strongly recommends against housing different species/morphs of dart frogs - for the health of your pets, please avoid mixing! Josh's Frogs recommends purchasing multiple frogs if you are interested in breeding them – this greatly increases the chances of getting a pair.