AJCs Virtual Frogroom: Mantella viridis

Mantella viridis

Mantella viridis tank

Vivarium: 600 x 450 x 380 mm, LECA substrate. I originally kept this species on a bark chip substrate 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).

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

Fauna: 0.0.5 Mantella viridis.

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

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Mantella viridis

This is without doubt the shyest species I keep - you don't see much of them, hence the lack of decent photographs (with the exception of this one, which shows the exquisite turquoise flash colours on the underside and back legs well).

M. viridis definitely prefers larger prey items. On occasions I've been quite surprised by how large a waxmoth larva they can swallow! According to Richard Berridge, the secret of breeding (apart from a suitable environment) is to stuff them full of high quality and varied food after a cooler winter rest period.

Food, want food!

Terrarium and Cage Construction and Care
Richard D. Bartlett, Patricia Bartlett, Fredric L. Frye

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)

Rare glance of an M. viridis out and about!

Mantellas
M. Staniszewski

The most comprehensive book available on this group of frogs.

There's nothing wrong with the eys of the frogs in this picture, it's just a flash effect.

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