Hope Calls for the Golden Mantella

Mantellas in captivity

Although nowhere near as established in the exotic pet trade as dart frogs, mantellas have been popular in private collections for decades. In fact, Mantella aurantiaca is considered the most actively reproducing of all mantella species. Their beautiful colouration and endangered species status were major drivers for hobbyists to breed the species in captivity.

There are numerous reasons why mantellas are popular in captivity. Marc Staniszweski, author of The Golden Mantella Handbook, claims the golden mantella is very “showy” and “will eat anything in sight.” These two traits make for an excellent pet frog. Golden mantellas are also typically quite social, meaning groups can be housed together providing aggression is monitored during the breeding seasons.

Marc Staniszweski paved the way for understanding mantellas in captivity. Although likely to incite some controversy, his studies play a huge role in the success of captive mantellas populations today. In a webpage he created to share his expertise, Marc writes: “Regardless of their size, mantellas require relatively spacious housing. This is due mainly to the fact that both sexes (but especially males) patrol small territories. Too small a container results in excessive contact and stress. Too large a container results in very little contact and no successful pairing. As mantellas are predominantly diurnal, correct photoperiod plays a decisive part in behavioural and reproductive regimes. The photoperiod however should be 10 - 11 hours during winter and 12 - 14 during summer. [Golden mantellas] occur above 900m and therefore conditions must be replicated in captivity accordingly, i.e. temperatures no higher than 78°F, preferably around 68 - 70°F. They require high humidity and quite open, light conditions.”

Gerardo Garcia: “This study opens the door to not being complacent when considering future conservation translocations with amphibians. Healthy animals aren’t enough, and we need to continue to explore more about the complex biology of this taxa. The more we study the more we realise how much has to be considered to keep healthy colonies (in all aspects).”