The island of Madagascar lies 250 miles of the East coast of Africa. Isolation from the mainland has created an island full of unique and incredible animals found nowhere else on the planet. Included are the Mantella frogs. These tiny gems are some of the most brilliantly colored frogs on Earth. Their looks combined with interesting behaviors make them very desirable as captives. They are not for everyone! About half the known species of Mantellas are listed as endangered or critically endangered. Loss of habitat and pollution are continuing throughout the island making the future for these frogs unsure. This adds a new level to the decision to purchase one. Wild caught Mantellas will most likely not be available much longer so it is up to us as keepers to concentrate our efforts on successful husbandry and captive breeding programs. We at Full Spectrum Exotics are dedicated to the preservation of these species and are looking forward to offering captive bred Mantellas in the near future. Please read our care section for detailed species information. The future of these frogs are in all of our hands.
MANTELLA CARE BY SPECIES
Mantella baroni Common name: Baron's painted mantella Care: M. baroni is a large mantella up to almost 1.5 inches. Females are typically larger and more robust. They range from East-central Madagascar where males are found calling near running water. They usually make hearty captives. Keep them at 65-75 degrees with a drop into the low 60's during a simulated dry season. Ours do great on fruit flies and 1/4" crickets.
Mantella pulchra Common name: Beautiful mantella Care: Similar in size and appearance to M. baroni only their hind legs tend to be more brown than orange. Females reach about 1 inch, males slightly smaller. The flash colors inside their hind legs are incredibly bright. Also from East-central Madagascar their range overlaps M. baroni and some populations co-habitate the same areas. We do not recommend mixing species in captivity. A somewhat shy frog, give them plenty of cover and hiding places. Keep at 65-75 degrees and they should do well. Fruit flies are a good prey item for these guys.
Mantella expectata Common name: Blue-legged mantella Care: A very attractive large mantella. Females up to about 1.5 inches. They range from Southwest Madagascar near seasonal streams and rocky outcrops. They tend to do better slightly dryer than other species. 70-80 degrees is good. You can even bring the temps. up slightly during a "rainy season". Their color seems to be linked to weather conditions and mood. A bright frog is a happy frog in this case. Go with 1/4" crickets for them.
Mantella milotympanum Common name: Black-eared mantella Care: This is one the smallest and brightest of the mantellas. The big ones are still less than an inch! Found in East-central Madagascar, they are most active during the rainy season. Males will usually call frequently after misting. Generally an all red frog, there is some color variation throughout their range. Some red adults have produced red, orange, and green offspring. They do better cooler than most other species, keep them below 80 degrees. Continuous temps in the high 70's to low 80's can lead to stress and death. Feed these little guys fruit flies.
Mantella laevigata Common name: Climbing mantella Care: This is a very unique species in that it is semi-arboreal. Enlarged toe pads are present. This is a medium sized mantella growing to around 1 inch. They inhabit the lowlands of Northeast Madagascar. They also differ from other mantellas with their breeding behavior. They deposit eggs in water cavities above the ground. Hollow plants, such as bamboo, are utilized for this in the wild. One breeder recommends film canisters suction cupped to the side of their enclosures to replicate this. Parents will also care for their eggs and tadpoles much like their South American dart frog cousins. They like it a bit warmer than other species, low 80's is o.k. but watch for signs of stress and cool if necessary. Fruit flies and 1/4" crickets are good prey items.
Mantella crocea Common name: Yellow mantella Care: A smaller mantella, they get just shy of an inch. They have variable colors ranging from yellow to tan with a black mask. This is probably the best beginner mantella. Usually very hardy. The males are almost always out and doing something. They can tolerate a greater temperature range with the high 70's being ideal. They can easily survive up to the mid 80's but it is not recommended for any length of time. They do fine with 1/4" crickets. This species seems to prefer slightly larger prey items than other species the same size.
Mantella nigricans Common name: Guibe's mantella Care: This is one of the more uncommonly imported species. Shy and reclusive, this is not a great choice for new frog keepers. Males will even call to attract mates from under cover. They range throughout the lowlands of the Northern part of the island. They usually inhabit areas around running water. Temps. from 65-80 are sufficient. Mix fruit flies and 1/4" crickets as prey items.
Mantella madagascariensis Common name: Malagasy painted mantella Care: Similar to and commonly confused with M. baroni, this is another outstanding species. Bold and active, they usually acclimate well to captivity. Another East-central resident, their range overlaps M. baroni and possibly M. pulchra. Cool to mid range temps are best, 65-75 degrees. They can drop to the high 50's without too much of a problem! Feed them 1/4" crickets and enjoy.