I thought it might be nice to help compile a list of books that have been used (or enjoyed) in the realm of dart frog husbandry. *Rich, feel free to plug your books*

The Guide to Owning Poison Frogs
Jerry G Walls (Author)
Paperback: 63 pages
Publisher: TFH Publications
Language: English
ISBN: 0-7938-0252-0

Review from Boogsawaste: I got this book when I started out in the hobby. I think it was around 1998 or 1999. This book has since been lost but I remember there was very nice pics and short descriptions of many species. It's not the most in depth book (only 63 pages), but it is still good for beginners and always nice to look at pics. Plus you can pick it up off of amazon for $0.22 plus like $4 shipping. Not a bad deal, but I wish I could dig mine up from somewhere!

Poison Frogs of the Family Dendrobatidae: Jewels of the Rainforest
Jerry G. Halls (Author)
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: TFH Publications (October 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0793802997
ISBN-13: 978-0793802999

Review from MTUPup: This isn't much of an information book as it is a pretty picture coffee table book. Pretty good account of most common hobby species. Usually available on Amazon. I picked up a use copy for $10 - more than worth it.

Poison Dart Frogs
Amanda Sihler (Author), Greg Sihler (Author)
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: TFH Publications (September 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0793828937
ISBN-13: 978-0793828937

Review from MTUPup: When I was starting out and completely unaware of the internet community ( actually I didn't have internet that summer) I found this book at a local Borders. Pretty simple and easy read. This is one of the books I gave to an 11 yr old that is just starting out.

My first (and only), dart frog book:

The Guide to Owning Poison Frogs
Jerry G Walls (Author)
Paperback: 63 pages
Publisher: TFH Publications
Language: English
ISBN: 0-7938-0252-0

Review: I got this book when I started out in the hobby. I think it was around 1998 or 1999. This book has since been lost but I remember there was very nice pics and short descriptions of many species. It's not the most in depth book (only 63 pages), but it is still good for beginners and always nice to look at pics. Plus you can pick it up off of amazon for $0.22 plus like $4 shipping. Not a bad deal, but I wish I could dig mine up from somewhere!

Hopefully for Christmas I will get Rich's book.

I'll just keep adding books as they're added to the original post.

Good idea, that will be easier to read instead of having to search through a thread. Also for a suggestion, you can put my review up with it but keep the posters name next to the review (and feel free to take out any content that isn't relevant).

copy and paste came up short on that review - due credit will also now be given. Also, if someone else has read/used the book they can review it too and than we can list mulitple reviews of the same book?

Exactly, multiple reviews is what I was leaning towards. Also helps out if I wrote a stupid review and you didn't want to take credit for it haha.

Mine is probably the worst one you could buy if you are looking for husbandry tips. It is all pictorial.


The Walls books ("Guide and Jewels") are really out of date and not a great resource for husbandry . Some species incorrectly labeled. Some nice pics and info on locals.

"Professional Breeders Series" by Schmidt and Henkel came out about five years ago and is more up to date. But really does not jump out at me as "Professional" or super advanced at all. Nice pics again. Some good husbandry stuff.

"Poison Arrow Frogs, Their Natural History and Care in Captivity" is one that many of the 'old timers' and 'gurus' seem to have great affection for. I don't know exactly why. Very dated and many of the species groupings have changed so much compared to the books listings it is laughable. The draw must be simple sentiment . I don't suggest it as a great resource. A few decent pics.

"Dendrobatidae , Poison Frogs" , by Christman is more of a travel log and has tons of interesting pics (see a common thread here?) but not much pertinent husbandry info. The three book set revolves around frogs of Ecuador, Peru, and Columbia so many darts are not touched on. It is a very expensive set.

The fact of the matter is that you can gain more information here on the web than any book I have read.
You just have to really search, and know who to believe.

If you want a book with a lot of pretty pictures though, buy my book...

Rich, you hit on many valid points. The book I listed (guide), helped me get started in 99ish however I think it was made in 95. As we both know the care has changed since then, however since it was the only book I've had I thought I would throw it up there. As you stated good pics in most of the books but not very much else (in most cases). The internet is still the best place to get info however who doesn't love to pick up a book sometimes, whether outdated or not, and just flip through?

I try to give you open season for a shameless plug and that's what I get j/k. I'll get to adding those books to the list. Sometimes having pretty pictures are nice because a computer isn't always in front of you. And lord knows when I told my grandmother that I rasie frogs, I wasn't getting her in front of a computer to look at pictures of what I was talking about.

This is a great thread! sorry I haven't read any frog books yet, because I have been looking for a thread like this so I can buy a good frog book to read. thanks guys!