Mantella Frog

Habitat

Forest, typically found living on the ground of east central Madagascar.
Mantella frogs are generally found on land but near a freshwater source.

Aquarium Location

Madagascar

Fun Facts

• The toxins secreted from their body come from their prey: ants, termites and other insects carrying alkaloids.
• In a captive setting, unless fed its regular diet, mantella frogs will no longer be poisonous.
• The colors on a mantella frog may act as a warning to ward off predators. The bright coloring indicates poison.
• Mantella frogs can often be indicator species as they are very sensitive to changes in their environment.
• Male mantella frogs court the female using a variety of calls.

Diet

Insects. A majority of a mantella frog’s diet consists of ants and termites.

Cool Adaptation

Mantella frogs have suction like discs on their toes to aid in stabilizing.

Conservation Connection

Mantella frogs are largely found in the pet trade. Certain restrictions have been put into place with the intention of limiting this trade to some extent. Mantella frog habitats are also suffering from current and potential commercial development.