Feeling Froggy

Chrome Dart Frog Care Guide

Ameerega bassleri "Chrome"

Last updated: October 22, 2025

Locality: Chrome. Ameerega bassleri is one of the largest members of the Ameerega genus, a bold, active dart frog native to the foothill forests of Peru. The Chrome locality is known for its metallic silvery green banding over a black ground. These terrestrial frogs are fast, confident, and rewarding to watch, and can live 5-8 years or more with appropriate husbandry. They lose their toxicity in captivity when fed a commercial diet.

Housing Requirements

  • Terrarium Size: 18 x 18 x 24 Exo Terra or a 20-gallon long minimum for a pair, larger footprints are better for this active species
  • Tank Mates: Pairs and small groups of similar sized animals work well. Males call and occasionally wrestle, but serious aggression is uncommon with enough floor space and cover.
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C) during the day, 65-72°F (19-22°C) at night. Avoid sustained temperatures above 80°F.
  • Humidity: 80-100% relative humidity
  • Lighting: UVB lighting recommended, 12-hour day/night cycle

Substrate & Environment

  • ABG mix (Atlanta Botanical Garden mix) or similar well-draining substrate
  • Deep leaf litter and cork bark for cover, these frogs are ground dwellers that appreciate open floor space between hides
  • Live plants for humidity regulation and security
  • Film canisters and coco huts at ground level for calling and egg deposition
  • Clean, dechlorinated water source

Diet & Feeding

  • Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster and hydei), bassleri are large enough to take hydei with ease
  • Springtails and isopods as supplemental prey
  • Dust food with calcium and vitamin supplements

Breeding

  • Mature at 12-18 months
  • Males have a loud, pleasant trill and call openly
  • Eggs are laid in film canisters, coco huts, or on leaf litter, and males transport the tadpoles
  • Tadpole development runs roughly 60-90 days

Special Notes

  • One of the boldest dart frogs we keep once settled, they spend a lot of time out in the open
  • Strong jumpers, use care when opening the enclosure
  • Extremely sensitive to chemicals and chlorine
  • Handle minimally and only when necessary
  • Quarantine all new animals for 30+ days

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