Content
O blue bull frog or azure dendrobates belongs to the family of dendrobatidae, diurnal amphibians that live in desert areas. They feature unique and vibrant colors that indicate their high level of toxicity.
Source- America
- Brazil
- Suriname
Physical appearance
Although its name is blue bull frog, it can have different shades ranging from light blue to dark violet blue, including dark spots. Every animal is different and unique.
It is a very small frog that measures between 40 and 50 mm in length, and differentiates the male from the female by being smaller, thinner and singing in adulthood.
The colors it presents are a warning of the deadly poison for many animals, including humans.
Behavior
These are terrestrial frogs, although they like to be near water to splash around. Males are very territorial with members of the same species and others, so they spend most of the day defending their territory through different sounds.
It is also with these sounds that the male attracts the female. At 14 - 18 months of life, the blue bull toad reaches sexual maturity and begins to date, in a very shy way. After copulation, females use dark and humid places where between 4 and 5 eggs usually appear.
food
The blue bull frog is mainly insectivorous and, for this reason, it feeds on insects such as ants, flies and caterpillars. These insects are the ones that produce formic acid, essential for them to synthesize the venom. For this reason, frogs bred in captivity are not toxic, as they are deprived of certain types of insects that make them harmless.
conservation state
The blue bull frog is in a vulnerable state, that is, it is threatened. Its continued capture and deforestation of its natural environment is wiping out existing populations. For this reason, if you want to purchase a blue bull frog, it is very important that you ask for a reptile ownership certificate. Do not buy from strangers on the internet and be suspicious of any toxic dendrobates as it may be due to their illegal capture.
care
If you are thinking of adopting a blue bull frog, you should know that your care, the economic costs and the dedication you need mean a lot of time and effort on your part. For your new pet to be in perfect condition, you must meet at least these minimum conditions:
- Provide him with a terrarium of at least 45 x 40 x 40.
- They are very territorial, don't pair two males.
- Keep it at a temperature between 21°C and 30°C.
- The humidity will be between 70% and 100%, these are tropical frogs.
- Add low ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
In addition, the terrarium should have enough space to move and move, trunks and leaves to climb, a small pool with water and plants. You can add bromeliads, vines,...
Health
It is important to have an exotic specialist close by, if you notice unusual secretions or behavior, use him to identify the problem. They are sensitive to contracting parasitic diseases if you don't take care of it properly.
They may also suffer from dehydration, fungus or food deficiencies. Your veterinarian can recommend vitamins if you feel like it.
Curiosities
- Before, it was thought that the name of the blue bull toad came from the Indians who used them to poison their enemies using arrows. We now know that darts were poisoned with Phyllobates Terribilis, Phyllobates bicolor and Phyllobates aurotaenia.