Episode 17: Craig Goddard
Find Craig on FacebookFollow Frograck on InstagramIn this episode of the Frog Rack Podcast, I interview Craig Goddard, who shares his extensive journey in the amphibian hobby, particularly focusing on Ameerega dart frogs. Craig discusses his early experiences with frogs, the challenges of downsizing his collection during a move, and his current goals in breeding Ameerega frogs. He emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in the hobby, as well as the specific care and breeding challenges associated with Ameerega. Our conversation also touches on the evolution of the hobby, particularly the concept of bioactivity, and concludes with insights on tadpole care and future aspirations in dart frog keeping. In this episode, Craig discusses various aspects of dart frog care, including the differences between wild collected and captive bred individuals, the unique characteristics of Boana Atlantica, and the importance of proper habitat setup. He shares insights from the Tinley Park Reptile Expo, the current state of the dart frog hobby, and the challenges of availability in the market. The conversation emphasizes the need for dedicated hobbyists to focus on breeding and maintaining diverse species in the community.keywords Frog Rack Podcast, Craig Goddard, Ameerega dart frogs, amphibian hobby, breeding challenges, community mentorship, tadpole care, bioactive vivariums, dart frog care, frog keeping, dart frogs, amphibian care, captive bred, wild collected, Boana Atlantica, frog habitats, Tinley Park Expo, dart frog hobby, frog breeding, amphibian communityChapters00:00The Journey Begins: Craig's Early Years with Frogs06:29Transitioning Collections: Downsizing and Moving10:09Reigniting Passion: Craig's Return to Dart Frogs12:53The Challenge of Breeding: Insights on Tadpoles and Froglets19:44Navigating the Hobby: The Dynamic Between New and Old Hobbyists28:02The Evolution of Information Sharing: Forums vs. Social Media29:57Bioactivity in the Hobby: A Marketing Perspective31:51The Bioactive Debate35:31Understanding Ameerega Breeding Challenges01:01:26Frog Care Insights01:02:36Wild Collected vs. Captive Bred Frogs01:06:02Exploring Boana Atlantica01:10:21Temperament and Care of Boana Atlantica01:12:01Breeding Strategies for Tree Frogs01:20:44Tinley Park Reptile Expo Experience01:25:35Exploring Tokay Geckos and Personal Experiences01:27:03Insights from the Reptile Show Experience01:27:29Dart Frogs: Availability and Market Trends01:28:50Challenges in the Dart Frog Hobby01:30:20Impact of Market Changes on Dart Frogs01:32:48The Evolution of Dart Frog Breeding01:35:18The Dart Frog Market Post-COVID01:38:45The Future of Dart Frogs in the Hobby01:41:50Niche Focus in the Amphibian Hobby