[2] Mantella aurantiaca is one of Madagascar's most threatened amphibian species due to its limited distribution in an area under tremendous anthropogenic pressure.

[5] It is thought that the brilliant colors exhibited by the golden mantella are an example of aposematism, warning predators of the poisonous nature of the frog.

The golden mantella is highly seasonal in its behaviour and remains largely inactive during the winter months of May–October.

When the rains arrive and the temperature warms, frogs emerge from hiding and use small lentic wetlands for breeding.

[7] Although poisonous, the snake Thamnosophis lateralis and a skink of the genus Zonosaurus have been observed preying upon this species at Torotorofotsy Wetland.

The golden mantella is occasionally seen in the pet trade and kept in captivity by exotic animal collectors and zoological institutions.

The species was described by the French herpetologist François Mocquard in 1900 on the basis of one a male individual 21.2 mm long.