AFRICAN DWARF FROG | HYMENOCHIRUS BOETTGERI

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) is a fully aquatic freshwater frog that has become a favorite in community aquariums. Small, peaceful, and entertaining to watch, these frogs bring unique personality and activity to tanks of all sizes.

Appearance

– Olive to brown, mottled skin that helps them blend into their environment.
– Adults reach about 2–3 inches in size.
– Webbed feet designed for swimming and a streamlined body adapted to life underwater.

Behavior

– Peaceful and social, best kept in groups of 2 or more.
– Often rest on the bottom, driftwood, or broad plant leaves, but will frequently dart to the surface for a quick breath of air.
– Fun and active, but clumsy swimmers compared to fish, which adds to their charm.
– Require a tight-fitting lid—these frogs are known escape artists.

Tank Requirements

– Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum for a small group.
– Water Temperature: 72–78°F.
– pH: 6.5–7.8.
– Filtration: Gentle water flow—too much current can stress them.
– Aquascape: Provide live or silk plants, driftwood, and caves to create resting and hiding spots.

Diet

– Carnivorous; should be fed a protein-rich diet.
– Enjoy frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms, as well as sinking frog or carnivore pellets.
– They are slow eaters—avoid housing them with aggressive or fast-feeding tankmates.

Care Notes

– Lifespan is usually 3–5 years with proper care.
– Very sensitive to poor water quality; regular water changes are important.
– Their delicate skin makes them unsuitable for handling.

Benefits in the Aquarium

– Provide interactive and entertaining behavior not seen in fish or snails.
– Peaceful and compatible with shrimp, snails, and small community fish.
– Easy to care for once basic needs are met, making them great for both beginners and experienced keepers.

African Dwarf Frogs are a fun and fascinating addition to freshwater aquariums. Their playful personalities, unique behaviors, and compatibility with other peaceful tankmates make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add variety and charm to their aquatic community.