African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri)

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) is a fully aquatic amphibian native to tropical Central Africa. It's a popular choice for freshwater aquariums due to its peaceful nature, unique behaviors, and compatibility with small fish.

Description

• Size: Adults reach 5–7 cm (2–2.5 inches) 
• Color: Olive green to brown with black spots 
• Lifespan: Typically 5–8 years, with some living over 10 years 
• Behavior:
  • Peaceful but predatory—will eat anything that fits in their mouth.
  • Often seen floating motionless at the surface (“burbling”) or darting up for air.
  • Nocturnal and social—prefer to be kept in groups
• Unique Traits:
  • No gills—must surface for air.
  • Poor eyesight—rely on smell and water vibrations.
  • Possess a lateral line system like fish to detect movement 

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons for a pair; 10 gallons for 3–5 frogs 
• Water Depth: No more than 20 inches to prevent drowning 
• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• GH: 5–20
• KH: 4–12
• Filtration: Gentle flow; avoid strong currents.
• Cover: Secure lid—frogs are excellent jumpers and escape artists 

Diet

• Type: Carnivorous scavengers
• Feeding Style: Bottom feeders; slow and clumsy eaters
• Recommended Foods:
  • Sinking pellets (formulated for predatory fish)
  • Live/frozen: brine shrimp, bloodworms, blackworms, tubifex
  • Occasional raw meats (e.g., tuna, salmon) and daphnia 
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Adults: Every other day or 2–3 times per week
  • Juveniles: Daily or 4–6 times per week
• Tips:
  • Use feeding dishes or syringes to target-feed in community tanks.
  • Remove uneaten food within 30–60 minutes to maintain water quality 

Breeding

• Difficulty: Medium to difficult
• Behavior: Males may “sing” (buzzing/humming) to attract mates 
• Setup: Separate breeding tank with soft substrate and gentle filtration.

Health & Safety

• Molting: Shed skin every 2–3 weeks; frogs may eat their shed skin.
• Diseases: Watch for bloating, excessive shedding, or skin discoloration.
• Chytrid Fungus: A global threat to amphibians—buy only from reputable breeders