Dendrobates Pumilio
Dendrobates pumilio are a highly variable frog that can be found most in Costa Rica and Panama. Extreme color and pattern differences plus size differentiation among the various morphs make this frog one of the most studied dart frogs. As noted in the Breeding section, pumilio are obligate egg feeders and it has only been in recent years that successful captive breeding has become more routine. However a number of the morphs are still problematic and the hobby continues to be supplied by the offspring of frogs housed in greenhouses in Panama - the so-called 'farm raised' frogs. In truth while there are a number of farm raised frogs available, it would appear that collection of wild frog populations continues and those frogs are laundered through the farm raising program. This can present a dilemma for the hobbyist who wishes to avoid wild caught frogs and their consequences. Dendrobates pumilio is one of the few dart frogs that appears at least in some situations to adapt to human intrusion being found in sugar cane fields and gardens. On the other hand, a number of the pumilio morphs are critically endangered due to their limited distribution, oftentimes on islands that are being converted to resorts and condominium properties.
We are fortunate to have a small variety of these little jewels. They are all housed in 29 gallon standard vivariums complete with bromeliads to facilitate breeding. Our Bastimentos Island 'Red' and Man Creek pumilio came from Panama via William Soled and our Chiriqui River and Bruno forms were purchased as captive bred juveniles from Thomas Villegas at the 2006 Northwest Frog Fest. Finally we have a male and female that were originally imported/labeled as Chiriqui River that we are tentatively assigning as 'Cayo de Aqua' although others are simply referreing to them as 'Yellow Belly'. While similar to Chiriqui River at first glance, there are differences, particularly the light green versus the darker green of the Chiriqui.
Finally, we have been fortunate enough to have one of our Man Creek pairs breed and they have morphed out around a dozen froglets. Watching them in action is truly an experience not to be missed.
We are fortunate to have a small variety of these little jewels. They are all housed in 29 gallon standard vivariums complete with bromeliads to facilitate breeding. Our Bastimentos Island 'Red' and Man Creek pumilio came from Panama via William Soled and our Chiriqui River and Bruno forms were purchased as captive bred juveniles from Thomas Villegas at the 2006 Northwest Frog Fest. Finally we have a male and female that were originally imported/labeled as Chiriqui River that we are tentatively assigning as 'Cayo de Aqua' although others are simply referreing to them as 'Yellow Belly'. While similar to Chiriqui River at first glance, there are differences, particularly the light green versus the darker green of the Chiriqui.
Finally, we have been fortunate enough to have one of our Man Creek pairs breed and they have morphed out around a dozen froglets. Watching them in action is truly an experience not to be missed.
Last updated January 21, 2007