African dwarf frogs originated in the rivers and streams of central Africa. These fully aquatic amphibians live their entire life in the water. African dwarf frogs can be kept with docile community fish. They should not be housed with aggressive fish whom they will not compete well with. Their colors can range from olive green to brownish-green.
Source: Chris’s Fishes and Frogs
Characteristics
Care Difficulty | Intermediate |
Average Life Span | Up to 5 years with proper care |
Average Adult Size | 1¼-2 inches long |
Diet | Omnivore |
Minimum Habitat Size | 10+ gallons |
Water Temperature | 72-82°F |
Habitat
Habitat size
It is best to provide the largest possible habitat for your pet. African dwarf frogs should have a habitat size of 10 gallons or larger.
Build your living environment
Keep in a properly sized aquarium with a sturdy lid to prevent escape and plenty of hiding places like logs, rock burrows, or other aquarium decorations.
Background – Make sure that the gravel at the bottom of the tank is too big for the frogs to eat
Decoration – Plants can be placed near the surface so that the frogs can rest when they come up to catch their breath. Aquarium decorations such as caves, logs and other items should be included as a hiding place
Water Quality – Stable water quality and parameters including pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and water temperature are important to the health of aquatic life. If you are unsure of your water quality, bring a sample to Petco for a free test.
Clean up your African dwarf frog’s habitat
Daily – Check filters, water temperature and other equipment. Get rid of leftovers
Weekly – Check water quality at least once a week
Monthly – Change 10-25% of total water every 2-4 weeks, or as needed. Replace filter media if available
Feeding
What to Feed African Dwarf Frogs: A balanced diet for African dwarf frogs includes:
Specially formulated and sized carnivorous freshwater fish pellets or food for African dwarf frogs
Target feed for frozen bloodworms, blackworms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp
Things to remember when feeding African dwarf frogs:
Feed once a day
Defrost frozen food and rinse with fresh water before serving
Feed the frog as much as possible within 1-2 minutes, then discard the leftovers
Caring for the African Dwarf Frog
Gradually introduce new inhabitants to the aquarium
Using copper-based drugs is toxic to dwarf frogs
Avoid overcrowding as it can lead to stress and disease onset. As a general rule, no more than 1 inch of mature freshwater fish per gallon of water. Also avoid having too many bottom feeders where your African dwarf frog spends most of its time. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration
Where to buy African dwarf frogs?
The African Dwarf Frog can be purchased at your local Petco. Call ahead for availability.
Munition
The right size fish tank
Aquarium hood
Frozen brine fish
Bloodworms
Freeze-dried tubifex worms
Suitable foods (dry and frozen)
Living tree
Artificial tree
Hide decorative items
Air conditioning water
Filter
Water test kit
Full spectrum light — T5 . recommended
Led light
Mesh 3 to 5 inches
Thermometer
Freshwater substrate (large enough that it cannot be swallowed)
Heater
Hydrometer
Airstone
Air pump
Air pipeline
Literature test
The mate of the African dwarf frog
Can be kept with docile fish that do not try to eat them such as locusts or scads.
Can be kept with other African dwarf frogs of both sexes, as they are social and can be kept with two or more of the same species.