Mix and Match 2

Niloufar Getman
November 2000
Last update: 24 November, 2006

Having read the July 1998 article - Mix and Match 1 by an unknown author where a group of Phyllobates vittatus was mixed with Dendrobates tinctorius, I wanted to share my experiences. I have 4 P. vittatus in a set-up that they share with a pair of D. leucomelas. There is plenty of singing all day long and I assume they are all breeding age.

Phyllobates vittatus  

When the vittatus were originally added to the group they were considerably smaller than the leucomelas and, if anything, they appeared to be very comfortable in the company of the larger frogs. If there was to be any aggression I would have expected it from the leucomelas, as they were there first and had set up their territories in the best spots.

Dendrobates tinctorius FG

But to my surprise, the vittatus evicted the larger leucomelas from their favourite bromeliads and I have since seen them perform what can only be described as elaborate, ritualised press-ups followed by shoulder rubbing with the leucomelas. This happens once or twice a week and the leucomelas appear to put up with the youngsters' antics with patience and grace! For the majority of the time they are all quite happy to sit, hunt and eat together with no signs of hostility.

Has anyone else experienced similar harmless but entertaining showdowns in their mixed groups?