[jbeetle]

I myself wanted to do this, but was told that mantellas still retain their toxicity so that would be a problem. I am not sure of this, as I think they are like darts and get their toxins from their prey (I could be totally wrong here lol). I think the bigger problem would be getting CB animals of both, so that you don't have to worry about parasites and diseases. If you had a nice sized tank (lots of floor space) with lots of leaf litter I think it would work... and would be a great tank. I still want to do one myself, but am going to wait till I finish some other projects and do some more research.

 

[jbeetle]

I know that CB animals can carry parasite and such just as easily as WC, but they are going to be in much better shape then WC's. I was just saying that it would be better to start off with healthier animals, and I prefer CB to WC for other reasons anyways. I too think there needs to be more breeding of mantellas and dwarf chameleons in the hobby, so I agree with your statement... but you can't force anyone to do anything lol. If they want to mix them, might as well figure out what could be best for both animals... right? I plan on getting some of the dwarf chameleons species in the future, and the first thing I m going to do is set them up in their own tanks and attempt to breed them. I would then consider using some of the offspring in a mixed terrarium like the one discussed here. There are people breeding some of the dwarf chameleons and mantellas, and they are available. The less common ones (usually not bred in captivity) shouldn't be used in this sort of tank.

 

[jbeetle]

frogs & chameleons

I too have kept some of the larger chameleons, before I switched to darts due to space issues. Most of the larger species would be horrible companion animals for dart frogs, in my opinion. Most need more air circulation (like Josh said), so mesh cages are usually used. Depending on the species, most will fight with each other and do get upset at their reflections (usally males fight males). On top of this, if it is small enough to fit in their mouth and moves... they will probably eat it. I have seen chameleons take rather large prey in the wild (didn't see this in person, but in videos, pictures, books, etc.), and some of the larger species have been known to take small birds... so a small frog that is hoping all over the place might look like an easy target .

As for the dwarf chameleons and the mantellas... I think they have basically identical care requirements. They live in the leaf litter just like a lot of the mantellas, and also live in the damp forests as well. The high humidity would just make them breed from what I know. I would do more specific research on the specific species, so I could match one chamelaon and one mantella that have the most similar living conditions. But in general you but the dwarf chameleons in a planted terrarium with leaf litter and branches to walk on. Then you mist 1 or 2 times a day depending on your top and local humidity/etc. That sounds like the same for a mantella to me, minus the small branches... but that won't hurt the mantellas.

Also, I have been talking to a zoo keeper that has kept dendrobates with eyelash vipers... and they do eat them from time to time. I thought it was very cool that they had them together, made a cool looking tank. After asking about it, I was told that they have had mixed results with it. In one tank with auratus and an eyelash viper there was never a problem, and in another with azureus instead of auratus the snake ate a couple of them. So I wouldn't do this myself, as it jeopardizes the frogs' health (or should I say lives lol) way too much for my liking.

 

[jbeetle]

I was saying that the larger species of chameleons would probably take a shot at eating the frogs, not the pgymy/dwarf chameleons. They wouldn't be able to eat a mantella even if they were starving and it was the only thing available to eat . A Parsons chameleon could easily eat a mantella or even a P. terribilis... they are very large chameleons. So, big chamelons are a bad idea... but they small dwarf ones that this thread was originally started on are a much better idea, and have no chance of eating mantellas. Also, I think the humidity for Brookesia and similar species is pretty much the same as that required for mantellas... but could be wrong.