Frogs are not usually kept as pets because most of them feel they are
noxious. But African dwarf frogs are easy to care for making them
great pets. So here is a beginner’s guide to growing African dwarf frog.
Why need a beginner’s guide for African dwarf frog? African dwarf frog is the popular amphibian in the fish keeping hobby and it is important to educate the new hobbyist who would want to keep these special creatures in their aquarium.
African dwarf frog – Overview
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Dwarf Clawed Frog |
| Scientific Name | Hymenochirus boettgeri, Hymenochirus boulengeri, Hymenochirus curtipes and Hymenochirus feae |
| Habitat or Origin | Equatorial Africa, equatorial Guinea, Congo,Gabon |
| Average Size | A mature frog is about 3 inches (9 centimeters) |
| Coloration | Olive-green to brown or green with distinctive black dots on their body |
| Life Span | They live for 5-15 years when given proper care |
| Diet | Their primary food is pellets. Make sure to feed them twice a day so that they don’t gulp the other fishes due to hunger. Tasty treats for African Dwarf frogs include frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex worms. It is necessary to thaw the frozen food before feeding that is warm them up to bring to the normal temperature so that the frogs can feed on them immediately. |
| Gender Identification | Females are a little bigger in size with a more distinct genital region (ovipositor). Males have a small visible gland behind each front leg. |
| Behavior | They are very active. When stationary, they float in one spot with its limbs completely outstretched on the surface of the water. This behavior is called ‘ burbling’ |
| Compatibility | Being peaceful creatures, they easily get along with their similar communities likely Guppies, Mollies, Platies which are commonly referred to as livebearers. They are also compatible with Corydoras, Danios, Neon Tetra, the Serpae Tetra, and the Rummy Nose Tetra. |
| Ideal Tank Conditions | A 5-gallon aquarium can house 1 or 2 African Dwarf Frogs with ease. If it’s more than 2 or if it is kept along with other fishes, a 20-gallon aquarium will do. For substrate sand or gravel with large grains can be used. A lighted aquarium hood is preferable but a screened lid can also be used. |
| Water Parameters | They prefer tropical conditions: 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit (20-26 degrees Celsius). If heaters are used, 5 watts for every gallon of water can maintain the required condition. |
| Breeding | Breeding happened by mating. The male African dwarf frog grasps the female around the abdomen just in front of her hind legs. It usually occurs at night after one or more nights of singing by the male. This is called amplexus. |
| Common Diseases | Dropsy which can be identified with the conditions like bloating and distress. Other signs to visit a vet are thinness or decreased appetite, abdominal swelling, swollen joints, excessive shedding of skin, discolored or inflamed skin. Bacterial and fungal infections are also to be taken care of |
| Approximate Cost | It would cost around 3USD to 5 USD and in southeast Asia, India it is available at 1/2 the cost of USA |
| What to look when buying | A well-fed tadpole with around abdomen. |
| Species in the Market | Hymenochirus curtipes and Hymenochirus. boettgeri. The best way to tell these two species apart however is during the tadpole stage. It seems that H. boettgeri is the most common species in the pet trade. |
