What Are African Dwarf Frogs? African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus  Boettgeri) Are small 100% aquatic frogs of the family Pipidae. Sometimes Misleadingly referred to as Dwarf Clawed Frogs these frogs are not a type of Xenopus and have many differences between them and their larger cousins. These are small, cute, very charming, and interesting frogs that make great pets for those aquatic frog lovers who prefer a smaller frog, or who cannot keep clawed frogs due to legal restrictions.

Size: These are small frogs reaching about 1.5 inches snout to vent, some large females however may grow as large as 2 inches. Females tend to to be larger then males.

Habitat. Do not house Dwarf frogs in aquaria smaller then 3 gallons. provide at least 1.5 gallons per frog,  many frog keepers prefer to provide 2-3 gallons per frog. These frogs can survive in an unfiltered aquarium  but very frequent water changes must be done as they are sensitive to poor water quality. This option is not reccomended. The best thing is a filtered tank 4-20 gallons with regular water changes to keep NitrAtes below 20. Never cycle a tank using these frogs! Fishless cycling is a must. A lid is necessary to prevent escape. ADF cannot survive extended periods of time out of water. The tank cannot be more then 18' tall and no more then 12' is preferable. they must swim to the surface for air and can drown in a tall tank.

Temperature; As tropical frogs they require temperatures of 72-80. Use a quality submersible heater and thermometer to maintain temperature. Extreme temperatures can cause illness and death.

PH, KH, GH: these frogs are not picky and can tolerate a wide range of PH. Alkalinity should be maintained at least 100 to keep ph stable however as rapid swings can cause stress. Your dechlorinated tap water is probably fine for your frogs.

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

Decor: use a freshwater safe fine sand, medium sized smooth gravel or small glass marbles. Avoid rough substrates which can be harsh on your frogs smooth skin, too small gravel that the frogs can swallow and choke on, or large rocks that can crush tiny frogs. Hides and caves are appreciated. ADF are live plant safe and love planted aquariums. For those not up to keeping live plants silk or plastic is fine.

Tankmates: ADF love the company of other ADF! They can be kept singly but would prefer a frog buddy. They can be kept with small peaceful tropical fishes but caution should be used to ensure that the frog is kept fed. Any frog and fish tank should be scaped and stocked with the needs of the frogs in mind...not as a fish tank with frogs added as an afterthought. Do not house these frogs with large or aggressive fish! Do not house these frogs with any other type of amphibian! Some good tankmates are: Otocinclus Catfish, Betta's (cautionably), small Tetras, Rasboras, Hatchetfish, Cherry barbs, sparkling pygmy gourami, or guppies. Shrimp or fish fry will be considered prey.

Diet: They are carnivores and require a meat diet. Feed young frogs daily, adults 4-6 times a week. These frogs can become obese so don't overfeed!

Feed: HBH Frog &Tadpole bites, frozen bloodworms, frozen brine shrimp, frozen or live daphnia, live blackworms, live guppy fry (occasional)

Avoid Feeding: Fish flake or pellets, Freeze dried food, tubifex worms, Vegetable based food, beef, chicken, pork or any other land animal food.

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.

Chytrid Fungus:

Cause: Exposure to chytrid fungus or amphibians carrying the fungus.                                                                                                                                                                      

Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lethargy, rough flaking skin, tattery sheds, thrashing at surface, trying to escape tank.                                                                                       

Treatment: Itraconazole, or Benzalkonium Chloride.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Note: this desiese is EXTREMELY dangerous and contagious. Without treatment it is fatal. It can easily spread to any other amphibian. For this reason it is recommended to quarentine any new frogs for two or three months prior to introduction to established colony and bleach  all waste water prior to disposal.

Life Expectancy: These frogs can live 4-7 years.