What Are African Clawed Frogs? African Clawed frogs (Xenopus Laevis) Are large aquatic frogs of the family pipidae. They are fun and interesting pets. If you are looking for a hardy, long lived, and fun frog look no further!

Size: These are fairly large frogs with the males reaching 3.5-4 inches Snout to vent, and the females reaching 5-6 inches Snout to vent. Females are typically 20% larger then males.

Habitat: Do not house ACF in anything smaller then a ten gallon tank. Provide 8-12 gallons per male frog and 10-15 gallons per female frog. A long shallow tank is best for optimum swimming area. A secure lid is a must. these frogs are expert escape artists and can squeeze through extremely small spaces. Block or clog any holes in your tank hood and keep the water level a few inches below normal to prevent escape. As purely aquatic frogs they cannot survive extended time out of water. A Filter is a must for these large frogs to remove large particles, debris, odors, and discoloration from your tank water. And to provide Bio filtration. Preform regular partial water changes to keep Nitrates below 20.

Temperature: These  "coldwater" frogs do best at temperatures between 65-75 degrees. Do not expose them to extreme temperatures!

Ph, KH, GH: Clawed frogs prefer a bit of hardness and a slightly basic Ph. They can adjust to a wide range of ph but their water should have enough alkalinity to keep ph stable, 120 or more is preferable. Buffers such as baking soda, or crushed coral can be use with caution to buffer water. Remember a stable ph is better then an ideal one. your dechlorinated tap water is probably fine for these frogs.

Chlorine, Chloramine: These are extremely toxic to your frog! Always use a dechlorinator.

Decor: Use a freshwater safe sand, very fine smooth gravel such as pool filter media, or smooth river rock to large to swallow. These frogs can accidentally swallow regular gravel causing bowel obstruction. These frogs appreciate an aquarium safe "house" or "cave" to Hide out in. Artificial plants are recommended as ACF have a tendency to shred live plants.

Tankmates: These frogs are communal and enjoy the company of other African Clawed frogs of similar size. An adult ACF will eat a froglet if given the opportunity. Only house similar sized frogs together. Do NOT house with fish. ACF will eat your little fish and large aggressive, or spiny fish such as Cichlids or plecostomus may cause him harm.

Diet: They are carnivores ard require a meat diet. Feed froglets daily, adult frogs 3 or 4 times a week.

Feed: HBH Newt and Salamander Bites, Tetra Reptomin Pellets, Frozen Bloodworms, Frozen Krill, Frozen Mysis Shrimp, Frozen Beefheart, Frozen Silversides, Cocktail shrimp, Live Nightcrawlers, Live Ghost Shrimp.

Do NOT feed:

Fish flake or pellets, Freeze Dried food, vegetable based foods, Tubifex worms, Goldfish or minnows, dog/cat food, beef (except beefheart), chicken, pork, or other land animal meats.

Desieses:
Bloat or Frog Dropsy
Cause: Excess of dry or inappropriate foods, overfeeding, poor water quality, constipation, genetics.
Symptoms: Constipation, Water retention, lethargy, swollen appearance.
Treatment: clean warm water, small meals of fresh food, aspiration.

Redleg:
Cause: poor Water Quality, extreme temperatures.
Symptoms: Redness and swelling of legs, rot of legs.
Treatment: clean warm water, antibiotics, aquarium salt.

Life expectancy: These hardy frogs can live 10-25 years

Special concerns: African Clawed Frogs are illegal in some states. Check the laws of your home state before purchasing one of these frogs. They are hardy, adapt well and quickly become invasive when released into the wild. NEVER release your frog into the wild!!! These frogs are immune to the fungal desiese chytrid but they can carry it and contaminate other amphibians. To prevent infecting local amphibian species bleach all waste water prior to disposal.