Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' Frog

Introducing the Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' Frog - Your Vivarium's Captivating Gem

Your journey into the enchanting world of vivariums begins here, with BugEaters.co. Meet the remarkable Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' dart frog, a captivating addition to your vivarium that will leave you awestruck. These particular 'Bakhuis' specimens, which I've had the pleasure of keeping, were carefully captive bred by the renowned Sean Stewart at Herpetologic. Originating from the mystical Bakhuis Mountains in Western Suriname, these dwarf dart frogs are nothing short of spectacular.

With a striking black base color adorned by vibrant yellow markings on their torso, the Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' is a sight to behold. Their legs, painted in mesmerizing shades of blue with elegant black spots, add to their allure. Among the tinctorius morphs, the 'Bakhuis' frogs are known for their reclusive nature, making each periodic sighting a truly rewarding experience. Despite their elusive behavior, their diminutive size, with a maximum standard ventral length of approximately 40 mm, makes these frogs an absolute delight to observe.

Defining Characteristics:

1. Great Beginner Frog: Whether you're a novice or an experienced herpetologist, the Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' is an excellent choice for your vivarium.

2. Contrasting Yellow and Black Coloration: Their striking black and yellow coloration adds a touch of elegance to your vivarium's aesthetic.

3. Bold: These frogs carry themselves with confidence, making them a captivating focal point.

4. Easy to Breed: Their straightforward breeding behavior makes them an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to engage in captive breeding projects.

5. Quiet Call: Unlike some other dart frog species, the 'Bakhuis' frogs are known for their subtle, melodious calls that enhance the vivarium's ambiance.

6. Small: Their petite size makes them perfect for smaller vivarium setups.

7. Can Be Kept in Groups When Young: Young 'Bakhuis' frogs thrive in group settings, enhancing their social interactions and creating a dynamic vivarium environment.

8. Best Kept in Pairs as Adults: As they mature, it's recommended to house them in pairs to prevent potential conflicts among females.

Name: Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis,' commonly referred to as 'Bakhuis' in the US frog hobby. In Europe, they are sometimes known as Ensink tinctorius, a nod to their introduction to Holland by Ensink. Please note that in the US, there have been incorrect references to them as 'Ensing' tinctorius.

Recommended Vivarium Size: While a 10-gallon aquarium is suitable for a single or a pair of Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis,' BugEaters.co suggests a 20H or an 18x18x18 vivarium for 1-3 frogs. If you're unsure about how to set up your vivarium, be sure to watch our informative video on "How to Set Up a Vivarium."

Temperature: 'Bakhuis' frogs can tolerate temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F, but they thrive in the low to mid-70s. Avoid exposing them to temperatures exceeding 85°F, as it can be dangerous for these delicate creatures.

Humidity: Like most poison dart frogs, 'Bakhuis' frogs prefer a humidity range of 70% to 100%. However, they can tolerate lower humidity levels down to 50% for short periods if provided access to water. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is crucial for their well-being.

Size: Adult female 'Bakhuis' frogs are slightly larger, measuring approximately 1.25 inches, while male 'Bakhuis' frogs average around 1 inch at maturity. As a dwarf morph of tinctorius, they are among the smaller members of the tinctorius family.

Age: 'Bakhuis' frogs have the potential to live well over 20 years in captivity under optimal conditions, though a lifespan of 10 years is more common. In the wild, their life expectancy is estimated at 4-6 years. At BugEaters.co, we offer well-started juveniles that are at least 2-3 months old.

Feeding: These frogs prefer smaller foods. At BugEaters.co, we ensure that all the 'Bakhuis' frogs we sell readily consume Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. Adult 'Bakhuis' frogs also enjoy Drosophila hydei fruit flies and pinhead crickets. Springtails and isopods are suitable food sources for frogs of all ages. Remember to dust all feeder insects with a vitamin/mineral supplement for their optimal health.

Sexing: Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' cannot be reliably sexed until they reach 10-12 months of age. Males are generally smaller, while females appear longer and wider. Males also tend to have wider front toe pads and a less defined back arch than females. At BugEaters.co, we provide 2-3 month-old juveniles that are not sexable unless otherwise noted.

Color/Pattern: 'Bakhuis' frogs exhibit a high degree of color and pattern variability. Most individuals display a predominantly black body adorned with yellow dots and dashes, with some featuring yellow lines. In older individuals, a white and black appearance may develop, which can be corrected with color enhancer supplementation. At BugEaters.co, we endorse preserving the natural variation in color and pattern and do not recommend line breeding.

Social Behavior: 'Bakhuis' frogs thrive in group housing setups, especially when young. With adequate space (approximately 10 gallons per frog), they often coexist harmoniously. However, as they reach sexual maturity at 10-12 months of age, the social dynamics may change, and it's advisable to remove all but one female to prevent conflicts. For this reason, many breeders opt to keep them in pairs as adults.

Breeding: Breeding 'Bakhuis' frogs is a straightforward process. Like most Dendrobates Tinctorius, they are best bred in pairs. Eggs are typically deposited on a smooth, broad leaf or in a petri dish under a cocohut. These eggs hatch into tadpoles, which undergo metamorphosis in 60-80 days to become miniature versions of the adults. For comprehensive guidance on breeding and raising poison dart frogs, please refer to our How-To Guide on Breeding Poison Dart Frogs.

Natural Range: Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' is native to Suriname, specifically found on Bakhuis Mountain near Raleigh Falls.

History in the Hobby: Brought to Europe by Ensink and later introduced to the United States by Sean Stewart, 'Bakhuis' frogs are a relatively recent addition to the US hobby. They have gained popularity for their successful breeding and wide availability in the herpetological community.

Discover the captivating world of Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Bakhuis' frogs at BugEaters.co, where your vivarium journey is destined to be an extraordinary adventure filled with beauty, wonder, and the joy of observing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.