Mantella baroni is an attractive species, exhibiting contrasting colors of black, bright orange, and yellow or green. They can easily be confused with M. madagascariensis and also some populations of M. pulchra, both of which have a similar pattern. See Correctly Identifying Mantella baroni and Mantella madagascariensis for more information. A large and slender species, adult frogs can grow to 30 mm (1.2 inches). Females are generally bigger than males and more robust in appearance. Females also lack the ability to call.

A second frog, possibly a separate species but which is not yet named, appears similar to M. baroni, but does not have the typical uniformly black dorsum. Instead, the green to yellow blotches at the insertion of the forearm continue through the dorsum, giving the frogs a green or yellow back. These frogs are found to the south of the distribution of M. baroni, within the Andringitra Mountains.

Mantella baroni is widely distributed throughout the forests of east-central Madagascar. Males can be found calling loudly during the day, exposed near the sides of streams and surrounding forests.

Frequently imported, but often mislabeled as M. madagascariensis, M. baroni is said to live well in captivity. Sadly, captive-bred frogs are seldom available. Because of their wide distribution, frogs from different populations may experience different temperatures. This makes it difficult to determine an ideal temperature range to keep captive frogs within when it’s not known where they were collected. Housing does not need to be complex, but it might be worth the effort to create an area of moving water within their terrarium because of their association with moving water in the wild. During cooler months of the year, this water area could be allowed to dry completely, simulating similar conditions to what many wild M. baroni experience.

Mantella baroni Photo Gallery

Mantella baroni Habitat

Please submit additional photographs to devin@amphibiancare.com

References

Vences, M., F. Glaw & W. Böhme (1999): A review of the genus Mantella (Anura, Ranidae, Mantellinae): taxonomy, distribution and conservation of Malagasy poison frogs. – Alytes 17 (1-2): 3-72.