African Clawed Frogs are fully aquatic freshwater frogs, making them relatively easy to care for.
Albino African Clawed Frog
Enclosure and Habitat
African Clawed Frogs require aquariums filled to the proper level needed for your filtration system.
An important feature for African Clawed Frogs is a large space to allow them to bolt around their tank.
It is key to not use small pebbles for substrate because African Clawed Frogs will consume them and become impacted, usually leading to death.
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I personally suggest placing a layer of Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, as this promotes plant growth and can be passed through the frog if ingested.
A variety of live plants will add cover and good nutrients to your enclosure; Java Moss, Java Fern, and Hornwort have flourished in my enclosures with African Clawed Frogs.
After placing around 2 inches of stratum on the bottom of the enclosure, you may add a piece of aquarium safe driftwood.
I use these wood features as a base to my enclosure, typically going right down the middle, then plant the tallest plants in the back corners.
Be sure to keep the filter in mind, you do not want the filter sucking up the plants.
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Place smaller and smaller plants into the center to provide open space in the front for them to swim freely.
I then placed large pieces of natural slate over the stratum that was exposed.
The goal is to cover as much substrate as possible, locking plants roots in, and providing a natural environment.
Be sure all stones are secure and will not move with a current.
You may add other aquarium decor or driftwood once the base is complete!
Read also: Caring for Giant African Land Snails
A filtration system is needed for African Clawed frogs unless you pursue a bioactive aquarium.
Picking the right filter requires personal research; I have had the best experiences with Tetra’s Whisper line of filters.
If using tap water, water conditioner must be used to remove harmful chemicals and makes the water safe for your amphibian.
These frogs have an instinct to leave poor water quality “pools” by crawling up onto land to find a better home.
If you neglect their enclosure, they will escape in search of a suitable body of water.
However, your home does not have other pools like their native home of South Africa, henceforth, this usually does not end well for the frog in a human environment.
Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature for African Clawed Frogs is 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C).
A heat source is typically not needed because they thrive at room temperature.
Feeding Your Frog
These frogs will eat anything that fits in their mouth, this can include smaller tank mates, so ensure your frogs are relatively the same size when housed together.
A juvenile African Clawed Frog should have around 4 live crickets, a pinch of blood worms, 3 small earthworms, or a combination every other day.
1-2 Small Comets or Rosies can be fed every 3 days.
To feed live crickets, you may use tongs to place them underwater.
Adult African Clawed Frogs can have a variety of feeds; a mixed diet of Comets, Rosies, feeder Goldfish, earthworms, crickets, and bloodworms help your frog thrive.
With larger food like Comets, Rosies, feeder goldfish, and large earthworms, I would feed 3-4 items twice a week.
With smaller food including Crickets and bloodworms, I would feed 10 crickets or 3 pinches of blood worms every other day.
A diverse diet improves your frog’s health.
For example:
- Monday: 3 comets, and one earthworm
- Wednesday: 3 pinches of blood worms
- Friday: 2 Comets and 3 worms
- Sunday: Small snack of bloodworms
My frogs’ favorite are earthworms!
I drop them in the tank and allow them to hunt them down, it is a lot of fun watching them gobble them down!
African Clawed Frogs often face bloating and digestive issues related to diet and water quality.
Severe bloat in African Clawed Frogs can result from overfeeding, constipation, or bacterial infections.
Symptoms include swollen abdomen and lethargy; treatment involves adjusting diet to smaller, frequent meals, ensuring clean water, and possibly administering antibiotics if infection is suspected.
Avoid feeding inappropriate foods and monitor tank conditions closely.
Consulting a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent complications.
| Food Type | Juvenile Frog | Adult Frog | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Crickets | 4 | 10 | Every other day |
| Bloodworms | Pinch | 3 Pinches | Every other day |
| Earthworms | 3 | 3-4 (Large) | Every other day/Twice a week |
| Comets/Rosies | 1-2 | 3-4 | Every 3 days/Twice a week |
Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a verified expert before making decisions.
Sexing African Clawed Frogs
Male African Clawed Frogs are usually smaller than females; they have a slim body and legs.
They call out or “sing” for a female frog, which sounds like a cricket chirping underwater.
They have no cloaca; a bump where the legs meet.
When male frogs reach sexual maturity (around 10 months old), they have black nuptial pads on their forearms.
Female African Clawed Frogs have a pear-shaped body with chubby legs.
They have a small bump in between their legs (cloaca) where eggs and waste pass.
African Clawed Frogs are a species that females respond back to the male’s calls.
Size of Adult Frogs
As explained above, African Clawed Frogs vary in size based on sex.
An estimated length for an adult African Clawed Frog is 5 inches (12.7cm).
Are They Good for Beginners?
These are great frogs for beginners!
Underwater Communication
Few animals are known for being able to vocalize underwater, but even less common are reptiles or amphibians that do it.
