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Rare poison dart frogs are born at Bristol Aquarium

A very rare poison dart frog with, clearly, something to say Credit: Steve Chester

Bristol Aquarium is getting very excited about eight tadpoles in their care. That's because they are the young of the centre's rare phantasmal poison dart frogs, believed to be one of the most toxic amphibians in the world.

The species is on the endangered list and is now thought only to survive at seven sites on mountains in Ecuador.

They are very difficult to breed in captivity and the Aquarium is making sure the youngsters are well looked after in a separate tank with a special diet as they grow legs.

It will be at least two months before they go on general display. The Aquarium says it's delighted that another batch aren't that far behind them.

Daddy (or is that mummy) to be - the poison dart frog and its clutch of spawn Credit: Steve Chester

PHANTASMAL POISON DART FROG FACT: Scientists have discovered that an extract from the skin can block pain 200 times more effectively than morphine, without addiction and other serious side effects.