Defining Characteristics:

• Dark blue coloration
• Bold
• Quiet call
• Large
• Can be kept in groups when young
• Best kept in pairs as adults

Name: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River'. This mysterious tinctorius is names for a river that runs along the Suriname and Guiana border, somewhere along which it was collected. Sometimes called Kutari River tincs.

Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for a single Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River', but Josh's Frogs recommends a 20H or 18x18x18 Vivarium for 1-3 frogs. Not sure how to set up a vivarium? Please watch our video on How to Set Up a Vivarium.

Temperature: They can tolerate a temperature range of 65 F to 80 F, but prefer temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Temperatures over 85F are dangerous.

Humidity: Like most poison dart frogs, Koetari Rivers prefer a humidity range of 70 – 100%, but can tolerate humidity down to 50% for short periods of time if the frogs have access to water. Low humidity levels, especially without access to water, can quickly be fatal.

Size: These are one of the largest forms of Dendrobates tinctorius. Adult female Koetari River tincs are larger, measuring in at approximately 2.5 inches. Male Koetari River tincs are a bit smaller, averaging about 2 inches at maturity. All of the Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River' froglets Josh's Frogs sells are well started juveniles, and measure approximately 5/8” long.

Age: They are capable of living well over 20 years in captivity under ideal conditions, although a lifespan of 10 years is more common. In the wild, it is thought that tincs may live 4-6 years. All Koetari Rivers for sale at Josh's Frogs are well started juveniles, and are 2-3 months old.

Feeding: Like most poison dart frogs, Koetari Rivers prefer smaller foods. All of the Koetari River tincs Josh's Frogs sells will readily eat Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adult Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River' will readily consume Drosophila hydei fruit flies and pinhead crickets. All ages of poison dart frogs will enjoy springtails and isopods. All feeder insects should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement. For more information on what poison dart frogs can eat, please visit our How-To Guide on Feeding Poison Dart Frogs.

Sexing: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River' is not sexable until 10-12 months of age. Male Koetari Rivers tend to be smaller than females, which often appear both longer and wider. Males also tend to have wider front toe pads and a less defined back arch than females. Josh's Frogs sells 2-3 month old juveniles that are not sexable unless otherwise noted. For more information on sexing poison dart frogs, please visit our How-To Guide on Sexing Poison Dart Frogs.

Color/Pattern: These frogs are dark blue and black, with lots of fading and patterning only visible under bright lighting. Think of a blue sip, but much darker. Sometimes, the blue color takes on almost a deep purple appearance. These are strange looking tincs!

Social Behavior: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River' do well housed in groups up to sexual maturity, as long as enough space is provided. Josh's Frogs recommends approximately 10 gallons per frog. As they reach sexual maturity at 10-12 months of age, the social dynamic in a group of Dendrobates tinctorius may change, and all but one female may need to be removed. Female D. tinctorius may fight with each other over a mate. For that reason, many breeders recommend keeping Koetari Rivers in pairs as adults. Josh's Frogs strongly recommends against housing different species/morphs of dart frogs - for the health of your pets, please avoid mixing! Josh's Frogs recommends purchasing multiple frogs if you are interested in breeding them – this greatly increases the chances of getting a pair.

Breeding: Koetari Rivers can be difficult to breed. They are very seasonal. Like most Dendrobates tinctorius, Koetari Rivers are best bred in pairs as adult females may fight with each other in the presence of a male. Generally, eggs are deposited on a smooth broad leaf, or on a petri dish under a cocohut. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which then take 60-80 days to complete metamorphosis into miniature versions of the adults. For more information on breeding and raising poison dart frogs, please visit our How-To Guide on Breeding Poison Dart Frogs.

Natural Range: The exact location on the Koetari River is unknown and the population of this morph is likely to extend beyond the Guiana border. We do not have exact locale/collection data for this mysterious morph.

History in the Hobby: The well-known 'Koetari' were introduced to the US by Marcus Breece and he himself says that he is not sure where his animals came from, but certainly from Suriname. A group of Indians had collected them. Originally 8 animals were introduced and in the USA two breeding lines were created. The one appears more with a lighter back-drawing, the other is mostly dark colored. 

Links of Interest:

Dendrobates tinctorius Morphguide article on Koetari/Kutari River tincs

Still not sure if Dendrobates tinctorius 'Koetari River'  from Josh's Frogs are the right poison dart frog for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!