African Dwarf Frog Care
African dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus sp.), also known as dwarf clawed frogs, are often sold as additions to tropical freshwater aquariums or kept in small decorative displays. However, they frequently do not compete well with aggressive fish and fail to thrive in community tanks or in simple vases. They require a larger, more complex environment to do well.
Housing
Provide at least 2 gallons of water per frog. The aquarium bottom should be covered with gravel too large for frogs to accidentally ingest while foraging. Use a sponge filter, undergravel filter, or canister filter to keep water clean.
These frogs need dimly lit hiding areas. Simple caves can be made from 1″ diameter PVC pipe sections, or you can use submerged logs, stone caves, or aquarium-safe decorations. A rock or branch near the water’s surface is helpful, as African dwarf frogs must occasionally gulp air to breathe — shallow resting spots make this easier.
Live plants such as Elodea are a nice addition and frogs will often rest on plant portions near the surface. If live plants are used, provide adequate light (typically a 12-hour photoperiod) to sustain plant health.
- Water temperature: 78–82°F; never above 85°F or below 70°F
- Water changes: Siphon out 10–20% and replace with dechlorinated water weekly
- Remove uneaten food, shed skin, and feces with a turkey baster or dip net as needed
Diet
African dwarf frogs can be fed pellets made for clawed frogs or sinking pellets designed for carnivorous freshwater fish, but pellets alone are not a complete diet. Supplement with:
- Thawed frozen bloodworms
- Blackworms
- Live white worms
- Brine shrimp nauplii (rinsed well in fresh water)
Offer as much food as the frogs can eat several times a week. Remove any uneaten food after about 30 minutes.
General Notes
With appropriate care, African dwarf frogs can live 2–5 years or longer. If you are no longer able to care for your frogs, please do not release them into the wild — they may carry diseases harmful to native frog populations. Contact a local herpetological society (such as the Arizona Herpetological Society) or ask a pet store if they are able to take them.
