In the wild, breeding would occur in the rainy season. The male would use vocalizations like chirps, buzzes and trills to get the females attention. The male will then put its foot on the females back. Many females will compete each other for males and will choose her chosen male around.
Males do all the work if eggs are left in the tank
Females will lay eggs on a smooth clean surface in a secluded location. Clutches are typically 5-10 eggs. The male will return to keep the eggs moist and clean. the eggs will take up to 2 weeks to develop into tadpoles. The male will then return to the tadpoles and give them a piggy back ride to the pool of water. An easy pool of water for tadpoles is a bromeliad or film canister set on the floor or hung on the side of the tank with a suction cup. The tadpoles will take 60-80 days to morph into froglets.
Rearing tadpoles out of the tank
To raise the tadpoles out of the tank it will take a little work.
Tadpole Tea
If you are planning on rearing your own tadpoles, you will need to make some tadpole tea to place your tadpoles in.
Distilled/Reverse Osmosis Water + Indian Almond Leaves soaked = Tadpole Tea
Tadpole tea can be left to sit until it is a brownish red color or the leaves may be boiled and then removed to expedite the process.
Eggs
Place the eggs by cutting or pulling the leaf from the tank and placing it on a petri dish. Add enough tadpole tea to the petri dish in order to touch the eggs but not submerge them. Once the tadpole hatches it’s tail will remain curved; once it straightens out it is ready to be moved.
** Remove any eggs if they looked molded over as it may spread to other eggs
Tadpoles
Using a turkey baster or spoon, move the tadpole from the petri dish to a 32 oz deli cup filled 3/4 full with tadpole tea and an Indian Almond leaf. House the tadpoles individually as they are cannibalistic. The tadpoles will eat Frog and Tadpole Bites and fish food 1-2 times a week. Change half of the water weekly to keep it fresh.
Once your tadpole has all 4 legs, remove 2/3 of the water and tip the cup at a 45 degree angle. Once the tail has been absorbed it can be placed in a grow-out container where it can remain for 8-10 weeks before placing it in more permanent tank.
Approximate Timeline
6 weeks – tadpoles will grow back legs
9 weeks – tadpoles will grow front legs
10 weeks – tadpoles will come out of the water
Ultimate Dendrobates leucomelas Care Guide:
- Introduction to care
- Morphs
- Terrarium Size
- Lighting, Temperature and Humidity Requirements
- Terrarium Design
- Feeding
- Breeding
- Tadpole Care (Current Page)
- Shopping Must Haves
- Common health Issues
- Additional Resources
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The Frog Lady 
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