Other Names (How it Got Its Names) Common names: Capurganá Auratus Dart Frog, (Capurganá morph). Auratus means “golden” in Latin, originally describing some golden-tinted forms. The Capurganá morph is named after the Capurganá region in Colombia, where this particular locality was collected. Characteristics Medium-sized dart frog with bold coloration and pattern. Slightly shy compared to other Dendrobates species but becomes bolder in well-planted enclosures. Known for unique Capurganá morph coloration: often lighter green or yellow with distinctive banding/spotting. Recommended Vivarium Size Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair or trio. Larger enclosures (24” x 18” x 18” or bigger) recommended for groups. Provide dense live plants, leaf litter, cork, and horizontal/vertical climbing areas. Temperature Daytime: 72–78°F (22–25°C). Nighttime: 68–72°F (20–22°C). Avoid prolonged temps above 80°F. Humidity 70–90%, with daily misting. Needs both moist hides and ventilation to avoid stagnant air. Size of Frog Adults: 1.25–1.6 inches (3–4 cm). Life Span 10–15 years in captivity with proper care. Feeding Diet: Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, springtails, isopods, and pinhead crickets. Feed daily; dust feeders with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week. Color/Pattern Capurganá morphs usually display yellow or mint-green base coloration with bold black banding or blotches. The pattern tends to be less irregular and more band-like compared to other auratus morphs. Each frog’s markings are unique. Social Behavior Can be kept in pairs or small groups. Less aggressive than some D. tinctorius morphs, but males may compete for calling sites. Shy in open setups but thrive in heavily planted vivaria. How to Determine Sex Males: smaller, slimmer, with toe pads adapted for calling; produce soft trilling calls. Females: larger, rounder-bodied when gravid. How to Breed Provide petri dishes, film canisters, or leaf axils for egg-laying. Males call to attract females; eggs are laid in concealed, moist areas. Eggs hatch in 10–14 days; tadpoles can be collected and raised in aquatic setups. Metamorphosis occurs in 2–3 months depending on diet and conditions. 🌿 D. auratus “Capurganá” is admired for its yellow green/black coloration and makes a great intermediate dart frog — hardy but slightly shyer than leucomelas or azureus.
