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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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Three-striped Poison Frog
Ameerega trivittata
The Three-striped Poison Frog (Ameerega trivittata) is a large, highly active dendrobatid frog native to the Amazon basin, recognized by three vibrant neon stripes running along its dark body.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Dendrobatidae
Subfamily:Colostethinae
Genus:Ameerega
Species:Ameerega trivittata
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
80 - 100 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Venezuela. It is a terrestrial species, inhabiting the primary tropical rainforest floor, foraging among leaf litter and logs near streams and flooded areas.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Dendrobatidae. It is a relatively large poison frog characterized by its long legs and athletic build. Several geographic color morphs exist (including green, yellow, and red variants), demonstrating evolutionary divergence across Amazonian river barriers.
Behavior and Habits: Diurnal and highly active. These frogs are nervous and fast-moving, making long leaps if startled. Males produce a loud, continuous, high-pitched whistling call to establish territories and attract mates. Parents transport the hatched tadpoles on their backs to slow-moving water sources.
Morphology: A large dendrobatid, with adults reaching 4 to 5 cm in length. Females are larger and noticeably rounder when carrying eggs, while males are more slender and possess a vocal sac used for territorial calls.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a very spacious terrestrial terrarium (minimum 60x45x45 cm) with ample floor space to accommodate their active behavior and prevent stress. The enclosure should have a thick layer of drainage substrate covered with organic leaf litter, cork bark shelters, and dense vegetation. Climbing options should be provided, though they are primarily ground-dwellers.
Lighting and Heating: Requires tropical rainforest conditions, with daytime temperatures between 25 and 27°C. Avoid temperatures exceeding 28°C, as overheating can be fatal. A nighttime drop to 22°C is recommended. Provide 12 hours of light with a 5% UVB source to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high relative humidity levels between 80% and 90% through automated misting. Proper ventilation is vital to prevent stagnant air and bacterial skin infections. Provide a shallow water dish with declorinated water.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous and voracious. Feed on live prey such as large fruit flies (Drosophila hydei), small crickets, and roaches. Food must be dusted with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement three times a week to ensure healthy bone structure.
Compatibility: Can be aggressive and territorial, especially females competing for mates. It is best housed in single pairs (1.1) or male-biased trios (2.1). Avoid housing multiple females together or mixing with other dendrobatid species.
Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to stress-induced snout rubbing against glass if they lack adequate hiding spots. They are highly sensitive to chemicals and environmental pollutants; avoid touching them with bare hands. Proper hygiene is necessary to prevent red leg syndrome.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Venezuela. It is a terrestrial species, inhabiting the primary tropical rainforest floor, foraging among leaf litter and logs near streams and flooded areas.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAmazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 4.95 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 4.95 cm. The AmphiBIO v1 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 4.95 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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