African Dwarf Frog
African Dwarf Frogs are small, aquatic frogs native to parts of central Africa. They are popular pets due to their small size, hardiness, and relatively low maintenance requirements. Here is a guide to caring for African Dwarf Frogs:
African Dwarf Frog
| Scientific Name: | Hymenochirus boettgeri |
| Origin: | Central Africa |
| Diet: | Omnivore (eats both animal and plant matter) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Behavior Towards Their Own Species: | Social, prefers to be in groups. |
| Swimming Zone: | Bottom |
| Water Temperature: | 22-28 °C |
| Water Hardness: | 5-20 dGH |
| pH Level: | 6.5-7.5 |
| Minimum Aquarium Volume: | 40 Liters (for a pair) |
| Adult Size: | 2.5-4 cm |
| Reproduction: | They lay eggs which float on the surface of the water. |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 years (with proper care) |
| Care: | Moderate, requires regular aquarium cleaning and sufficient hiding spaces. |
Tank Setup
- Size: A 10-gallon tank is suitable for 1-2 frogs, but a larger tank is always better. Each additional frog will require about 5 more gallons of space.
- Water: Use dechlorinated water or tap water treated with a water conditioner. The water should be kept between 72-78°F (22-25°C). A heater may be needed to maintain this temperature.
- Filtration: A gentle filter is necessary to keep the water clean but not too strong to avoid strong currents that can stress the frogs.
- Substrate: Use a fine gravel or sand substrate, as African Dwarf Frogs like to burrow.
- Decor: Provide hiding places with aquarium plants, rocks, or other aquarium-safe decorations.
- Water Level: The water should be deep enough for the frogs to swim but not too deep as they need to surface for air. A depth of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) is ideal.
Diet
- African Dwarf Frogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal and plant matter.
- Provide a varied diet of frozen or live food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Sinking pellets formulated for aquatic frogs can also be used.
- Feed the frogs 2-3 times a week, but be careful not to overfeed. Any uneaten food should be removed from the tank to prevent it from rotting.
Behavior and Social Structure
- African Dwarf Frogs are social animals and prefer to be kept in groups. A minimum of two frogs is recommended.
- They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive, similar-sized fish or invertebrates. However, they may eat smaller creatures like baby shrimp.
Maintenance
- Perform regular water changes, replacing about 25% of the water every two weeks. This will help to keep the water quality high and remove any waste products.
- Test the water regularly for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH. Maintain the pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Clean the substrate and decorations periodically to remove any accumulated debris.
Health
- Keep an eye out for any signs of illness such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, discoloration, or white spots on the skin.
- Common illnesses include fungal infections, bacterial infections, and parasitic infections. Consult a veterinarian specialized in amphibians for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lifespan
- African Dwarf Frogs can live up to 5-7 years with proper care.
Remember, African Dwarf Frogs are fully aquatic and should not be taken out of the water. They breathe air, but their skin needs to stay moist. Proper care and attention will ensure your frogs live a long, healthy life.
