Mantella aurantiaca

Mantella aurantiaca

Vivarium: 600 x 450 x 380 mm, LECA substrate. I originally kept this species on a LECA substrate before moving them onto bark chips on the recommendation of successful breeder Richard Berridge. Although they seemed happy on this substrate, since it slowly rots I was unhappy about the level of hygiene I could provide, so I switched them back to LECA (see below). I now see a lot more of them and they still seem quite happy.
In winter, I drop the water level in the substrate and spray infrequently. In late Spring, I flood the lower corner of the viv, spray daily and feed heavily!

Flora: Hedera helix, Scindapsus aureus, Soleirolia soleirolii, Vesicularia dubyana.

Fauna: 2.2.6 Mantella aurantiaca.

Diet: Drosophila funebris, Drosophila melanogaster, springtails, woodlice, Tribolium larvae, Achroia grisella larvae, sweepings (field plankton).

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Male Mantella aurantiaca

Top: female

Bottom: male

This book shows you five different styles of terrarium, including desert, woodland, and half land-half water. It also tells you everything you need to know about the kinds of animals you might want to live in it. Also it includes instructions for several other types of habitats such as greenhouses and ponds. (Amazon.co.UK)

A nice picture of a territorial male.

Mantella aurantiaca eggs, a typical brood hidden away under Java moss (lifted up to take this picture.

The insistent calling of the dominant male gives away the location of the eggs!

Juvenile Mantella aurantiaca. They take between 3-12 months to attain the adult colouration, depending on growth rate, diet, etc.

The most comprehensive book available on this group of frogs.