The Citronella Poison Dart Frog is a striking Dendrobates tinctorius locality/morph known for its bright yellow coloration and contrasting dark markings. Captive-bred dart frogs are not considered dangerously toxic in captivity, because the toxins found in wild frogs are derived largely from their natural diet.

Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2.25 inches
Lifespan: Commonly 10+ years with proper care
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Enclosure

A 18" × 18" × 18" front-opening terrarium is a good minimum for a pair, although larger is always beneficial. A planted bioactive vivarium works particularly well.

Provide plenty of:

• Live plants and leaf litter
• Cork bark and natural hiding areas
• Climbing surfaces
• Drainage layer beneath the substrate
• Tropical substrate that retains moisture
• Springtails and dwarf isopods as a cleanup crew

Despite the name, dart frogs aren't aquatic frogs. Avoid deep open water areas because they are relatively poor swimmers.

Temperature & Humidity

Aim for approximately 70–75°F (21–24°C) during the day. A small nighttime drop is fine.

Avoid prolonged temperatures above about 80°F (27°C). Overheating is generally much more dangerous than keeping D. tinctorius slightly cool.

Maintain approximately 70–100% relative humidity, while still providing good ventilation. The enclosure should remain humid without being permanently stagnant or waterlogged. Regular misting helps maintain appropriate conditions.

Feeding

Feed appropriately sized live prey. Flightless fruit flies are the staple food for most captive dart frogs.

Good choices include:

• Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies
• Drosophila hydei
• Springtails
• Very small isopods
• Other appropriately sized cultured feeder insects

Dust fruit flies regularly with a high-quality calcium/vitamin supplement formulated for amphibians. Adults are commonly fed several times per week; juveniles generally benefit from smaller, more frequent feedings.

Lighting

Provide a consistent 10–12 hour day/night cycle. Bright plant lighting is useful for a planted vivarium. Dart frogs don't require intense basking heat.

Low-level UVB can be used when properly installed, but supplementation and appropriate husbandry remain important.

Citronella-specific social behaviour

This is one area worth emphasizing. Dendrobates tinctorius can be territorial, particularly females. Citronellas shouldn't automatically be treated as communal frogs just because the enclosure is large.

Pairs are generally the safest approach. Watch carefully for chasing, wrestling, one frog constantly hiding, poor feeding, or weight loss. Be prepared to separate animals if aggression develops.

Handling

These are display animals rather than handling pets. Their skin readily absorbs substances from your hands. When movement is necessary, use clean, wet, powder-free gloves and minimize handling.

For a Phil's Pets care sheet, I'd emphasize captive-bred only, 70–75°F, high humidity with ventilation, fruit flies with supplementation, planted bioactive enclosure, and pairs rather than groups.