The island of Madagascar sits isolated from the rest of the world 250 miles off the east coast of Africa. It is home to thousands of unique and fascinating plants and animals, the majority of which are found no where else on the planet. The genus Mantella is one of the fifteen genera of amphibians that are endemic to Madagascar, and arguably contains some of the most beautiful frogs on the planet.

The bright contrasting colors of a few of species are what initially spark interest in mantella frogs for most people. Their gaudy colorful appearance easily rivals those of the more familiar Central and South American poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) and red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) . Although brown and black are fairly dominant colors of many mantella frogs, orange, yellow, red, green, and even blue are also present in the seventeen or so Mantella species.

Mantella madagascariensis, Mantella milotympanum, Mantella laevigata

Unfortunately, in Madagascar these colors are fading quickly. Seven species - nearly half the genus - are classified as endangered or critically endangered and their survival in the future is not secure. Habitat destruction is the largest concern, although collection of wild frogs for the pet trade has also significantly affected the populations of at least one species.The future for these endangered frogs, as well as that of hundreds of other plants and animals endemic to Madagascar, does not look good at the moment.

This website aims to inform and educate people about frogs of the genus Mantella. It is largely directed towards hobbyists who keep and breed mantella frogs. Any and all contributions in the form of photographs, articles, or other content for this website are appreciated. Please contact me to submit them.