Mixing Species in a Vivarium: Can it Be Done and What Species Can Live Together Healthily?

Introduction

One of the most debated topics among reptile and amphibian enthusiasts is whether different species can be housed together in a vivarium. A vivarium, especially a bioactive setup, mimics natural ecosystems, making it an ideal environment for certain species. However, mixing species in a single enclosure comes with challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into whether mixing species is advisable, how it can be done successfully, and what species can live together healthily.

Can Species Be Mixed in a Vivarium?

The Short Answer: It Depends

While it is possible to mix species in a vivarium, it’s not always advisable. The key factors that determine success include the species’ behavior, habitat requirements, and the size of the enclosure. Some species can coexist peacefully in shared environments, but others may display aggressive behavior, stress, or health problems when housed with different species.

Key Considerations Before Mixing Species

1. Size and Space
   The size of the vivarium plays a critical role in whether species can coexist. In smaller enclosures, animals may feel stressed due to lack of space and potential competition for resources. Larger vivariums with multiple hiding spots and territories allow different species to establish their own space without direct confrontation. Learn more about creating a custom vivarium from our detailed guide on creating a custom bioactive vivarium for dart frogs.
2. Compatibility in Habitat Requirements
   All species housed in the same vivarium must have similar environmental needs. This includes temperature, humidity, light cycles, and substrate preferences. For example, animals that thrive in high-humidity environments won’t do well with species that prefer a drier atmosphere. Furthermore, species with different dietary needs could lead to feeding issues or competition over food sources.
3. Temperament and Behavior
   Even if two species share the same habitat requirements, their temperaments must be compatible. Some species may be territorial or predatory, leading to aggression. Others may be docile or shy, and if housed with more dominant species, they could experience stress or become malnourished due to bullying. Observing individual species’ behaviors is crucial before considering a mixed-species setup.
4. Size Difference Between Species
   One of the biggest risks in mixed vivariums is predation. Larger species may prey on smaller ones, even if they aren’t typically carnivorous. As a rule, avoid housing species of vastly different sizes to reduce the risk of predation or injury.

Advantages of Mixing Species

1. Mimicking a Natural Ecosystem
   In nature, many species share the same environment. A bioactive vivarium that supports multiple species can mimic these ecosystems, providing a more visually dynamic and natural-looking setup. The right mix of species can also promote a balanced ecosystem within the vivarium, including different roles in maintaining a healthy substrate and plant life.
2. Shared Responsibilities for Clean-Up Crew
   Bioactive vivariums rely on “clean-up crew” species like springtails and isopods to break down waste and maintain substrate health. In some cases, different species can contribute to the overall maintenance of the vivarium, such as frogs consuming smaller pests and reptiles managing the insect population. For example, introducing pea aphids for dart frogs can be a useful strategy.
3. Enhanced Visual Appeal
   A vivarium with multiple species can be more visually appealing, showcasing diverse behaviors, colors, and activity levels. Watching different species interact with their environment can be fascinating for hobbyists and a rewarding way to replicate nature at home.

Disadvantages and Risks of Mixing Species

1. Stress and Aggression
   Even if species seem compatible at first, stress levels can rise over time, leading to aggression. Submissive species may hide constantly, limiting their access to food, water, and essential environmental conditions. High stress levels can also weaken animals’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness.
2. Interspecies Competition
   Animals may compete for food, hiding spaces, basking spots, or water resources. If one species is more dominant, it could hoard resources, leaving the others malnourished or dehydrated.
3. Disease Transmission
   Different species may carry parasites or diseases that they’re immune to but can transfer to other species. Cross-contamination in a mixed-species vivarium can lead to outbreaks that affect all animals in the enclosure. A thorough understanding of the health risks associated with each species is essential before housing them together.
4. Difficulties in Monitoring Health
   When multiple species are housed together, it can be harder to monitor individual health. Some species may exhibit symptoms of illness differently, and in a mixed environment, it’s more difficult to isolate problems and ensure each animal gets proper care.

Species That Can Live Together

When attempting a mixed-species vivarium, it’s essential to choose species that are known to cohabitate well. Here are some examples of compatible species:

1. Dart Frogs and Small Lizards

• Dart Frogs (Dendrobates spp.) are small, brightly colored frogs that thrive in humid, densely planted vivariums.
• Anoles (Anolis spp.) and Geckos (Phelsuma spp.) can sometimes be successfully housed with dart frogs as they have similar habitat requirements.
• These species occupy different areas of the vivarium: dart frogs stick to the ground, while anoles and geckos are more arboreal, minimizing interaction and competition.

2. Tree Frogs and Small Lizards

• Green Tree Frogs (Hyla cinerea) can coexist with small, non-aggressive lizards like Day Geckos (Phelsuma spp.) or House Geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus).
• Both species prefer a vertical environment, but they can thrive together in a large, well-planted vivarium with plenty of hiding spots.

3. Frogs and Insects

• Some frogs, such as White’s Tree Frogs (Litoria caerulea), can cohabitate with non-aggressive insect species like giant millipedes or stick insects.
• These insects don’t pose a threat to the frogs and can contribute to maintaining a bioactive setup by consuming decaying plant matter.

4. Small Fish and Aquatic Frogs

• In paludariums (a mix of aquatic and terrestrial environments), African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus spp.) can live alongside small, non-aggressive fish species like guppies or neon tetras.
• Both species share similar water requirements and rarely interfere with one another.

Species That Should Not Be Mixed

While some species can coexist in a mixed-species vivarium, others should never be housed together:

1. Carnivorous Species with Prey Animals

• Species like larger snakes, monitor lizards, or predatory amphibians should not be housed with smaller species that could be seen as food.

1. Territorial or Aggressive Species

• Many species of chameleons, iguana lizards, and certain frogs, such as Cane Toads (Rhinella marina), are highly territorial and will not tolerate other animals in their space.

1. Species with Drastically Different Environmental Needs

• Avoid mixing species that require very different humidity, temperature, or lighting conditions. For example, a desert lizard should never be housed with a rainforest frog, as their environmental needs are incompatible.

How to Set Up a Mixed-Species Vivarium

If you decide to proceed with a mixed-species setup, follow these steps for the best chance of success:

1. Select a Large Enclosure

The bigger the enclosure, the better. A larger vivarium allows for more distinct territories, reduces stress, and provides more room for enrichment. Vertical space is especially important if you’re mixing arboreal and terrestrial species. For dart frog enthusiasts, consider reviewing our detailed guide on setting up a dart frog grow-out box.

2. Create Separate Microhabitats

By designing different microhabitats within the vivarium (e.g., wetter areas, drier areas, high perches, ground spaces), you can cater to the needs of multiple species. For example, one area of the vivarium can have more foliage for hiding, while another can offer open basking spots.

3. Offer Multiple Food Sources

Ensure that food is plentiful and distributed across different areas of the vivarium to reduce competition. Consider feeding at different times if species have varying feeding habits.

4. Monitor Behavior and Health Closely

Observe the animals closely in the first few weeks of cohabitation. Watch for signs of stress, aggression, or illness, and be prepared to separate species if necessary.

5. Maintain a Clean Environment

A bioactive vivarium will help maintain cleanliness, but regular checks and maintenance are essential to avoid disease and ensure that waste is properly broken down.

Conclusion

Mixing species in a vivarium can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Success depends on careful planning

Author: Kyro