Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The African Dwarf Frog surely makes a unique and fun addition into the right aquarium setting! As their name suggests, African dwarf frogs are native to rivers and streams in central Africa. With a manageable adult size of 2″, these frogs are compatible with a variety of peaceful community fish species. Typical coloration for African dwarf frogs are olive-green, brown, green or gray with black spots and a white belly. African dwarf frogs have developed lungs, rather than gills, and this is why you will see them dart up to the surface to breathe and then drop back down to the substrate. Sometimes African dwarf frogs may be confused with juvenile African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus laevis), however these frogs have much stockier bodies, grow larger (3.5″ – 5″ dependent on sex), and are more aggressive. African dwarf frogs are social, preferring to be kept in groups.
Diet Requirements: African dwarf frogs are primarily carnivores. A diet made up of various high quality sinking pellets or frozen foods are ideal, including bloodworms and brine shrimp. Sometimes the preferences of food is individual specific. African dwarf frogs, given their energy level, may only need to be fed every other day. If the aquarium is competitive, you will need to make a greater effort to ensure your frog is getting what it needs. This can be achieved by using a pair of forceps and directly putting frozen food in front of the frog. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain immune function and longevity. Live blackworms can also make for an excellent and stimulating treat for your frog.
Care Requirements: A minimum 10 to 15 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of African dwarf frogs. These frogs are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters. Weekly or biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 20 ppm). African dwarf frogs will appreciate a consistent light cycle (keeping lights on a timer), some live floating plants to provide dimmed light if the lighting is intense (they are nocturnal), and moderate water movement. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a finer substrate, driftwood or other natural-looking arrangements for hiding places. African dwarf frogs would also do well with some low maintenance live plants, such as Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana), Narrow-leaf Anacharis (Egeria najas), or Crypts (Cryptocoryne spp.). African dwarf frogs are rarely aggressive toward tank mates. Because of their timid temperament and where they reside in the aquarium (at the bottom), extra care should be taken when selecting tank mates. African dwarf frogs do not do well in overly active or competitive environments. Mix African dwarf frogs with docile tetra, rasbora and corydoras species. Some nano shrimp may be compatible, but it has been observed that very small shrimp may be at risk of becoming a snack for your African dwarf frog. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 4-15, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1/2” to 3/4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
