About African Dwarf Frog

The African Dwarf Frog is a fully aquatic frog that makes a unique and entertaining addition to community aquariums. These small amphibians have webbed feet and spend their entire lives underwater, coming to the surface only to breathe. Native to Africa, they are peaceful, social creatures that should be kept in small groups. They have poor eyesight and require target feeding to ensure they get enough food. Their amusing behaviors including "zen position" floating and occasional singing make them popular pets.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

African Dwarf Frogs need gentle conditions and easy surface access.

Essential Setup:

  • 10+ gallons minimum
  • Gentle filtration (sponge filter ideal)
  • Low water level: 8-12 inches maximum (easier to reach surface)
  • Hiding spots: Caves, plants
  • No sharp decorations: Soft skin easily damaged
  • Secure lid: Can climb decorations

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-12 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (amphibians very sensitive)
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Important: More sensitive to chemicals than fish. Avoid medications containing copper.

Feeding

Require target feeding due to poor eyesight:

  • Sinking pellets: Thawed frozen or specific frog pellets
  • Frozen bloodworms: Thawed
  • Frozen brine shrimp: Thawed
  • Live blackworms: Excellent food

Feeding Method:

  • Target feeding: Use tweezers or turkey baster to place food in front
  • Feeding dish: Shallow dish to contain food
  • Timing: Feed after lights out when active
  • Frequency: Daily small amounts

Challenge: Fish often steal their food. Target feeding essential.

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful and amusing:

  • Social: Keep 2-3 minimum, 4+ preferred
  • Peaceful: Won’t harm fish
  • Clumsy: Bump into things, entertaining to watch
  • “Zen position”: Float motionless with limbs spread
  • Sing: Males make buzzing sound

Good Tank Mates:

  • Small peaceful fish
  • Bettas (surprisingly compatible)
  • Small tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Small shrimp (may be eaten)

Avoid:

  • Large fish
  • Aggressive fish
  • Crayfish (will eat frogs)
  • Fish that outcompete for food

Special Behaviors

  • Surfacing: Must reach surface to breathe (lungs)
  • “Blobbing”: Float in funny positions
  • Singing: Males buzz to attract females
  • Clumsy swimmers: Paddle with webbed feet
  • Skin shedding: Normal every few weeks

Health Concerns

  • Bacterial infections: From poor water quality
  • Red leg: Bacterial infection
  • Fungus: From injuries
  • Choking: Can choke on large food

Amphibian Sensitivity:

  • More sensitive to chemicals than fish
  • No copper-based medications
  • Use amphibian-safe treatments

Identification vs. African Clawed Frog

African Dwarf Frog:

  • 4 webbed front fingers
  • Small size (1.5-2.5 inches)
  • Eyes on sides of head
  • Fully aquatic but surface breathe

African Clawed Frog:

  • Clawed front feet (not webbed)
  • Larger (4-5 inches)
  • Eyes on top of head
  • More aggressive

Breeding

Can be bred:

  • Singing: Males call to females
  • Amplexus: Male grasps female
  • Egg laying: Hundreds of eggs
  • Tadpoles: Filter feed

Tips for Success

  • Keep in small groups (2-3+)
  • Target feed with tweezers
  • Ensure easy surface access
  • Use gentle filtration
  • Very sensitive to poor water quality
  • Entertaining pets for small tanks

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Small Peaceful Fish
🐠 Betta Fish
🐠 Small Tetras
🐠 Corydoras