Atelopus cruciger was historically abundant and widely spread in the Venezuelan Coastal Range at elevations up to above sea level, although most records were from gallery, cloud, and semi-deciduous forests at above sea level. Atelopus cruciger usually occurs near streams and rivulets. These frogs are diurnal and often found on stones, but can also climb to vegetation up to 1.5 meters above the ground. Breeding takes place along swift-flowing streams.