African Clawed Frogs are fully aquatic freshwater frogs, making them relatively easy to care for. However, like all amphibians, they do require a level of commitment.
One interesting fact about these frogs is that they lack a "traditional" frog tongue; they have no tongue at all!
Enclosure and Environment
African Clawed Frogs require aquariums filled to the proper level needed for your filtration system. A large space is an important feature 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. Consider placing a layer of Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, which 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 enclosures with African Clawed Frogs.
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After placing around 2 inches of stratum on the bottom of the enclosure, you may add a piece of aquarium safe driftwood. Use these wood features as a base, typically going right down the middle. Plant the tallest plants in the back corners, keeping the filter in mind to prevent it from sucking up the plants. Then, place smaller and smaller plants into the center to provide open space in the front for them to swim freely.
Place large pieces of natural slate over the exposed stratum. The goal is to cover as much substrate as possible, locking plants' roots in, and providing a natural environment. Ensure all stones are secure and will not move with a current. You may add other aquarium decor or driftwood once the base is complete!
A filtration system is needed for African Clawed frogs unless you pursue a bioactive aquarium. Picking the right filter requires personal research. If using tap water, water conditioner must be used to remove harmful chemicals and make the water safe for your amphibian.
Water Temperature: 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C). A heat source is typically not needed for African Clawed Frogs because they thrive at room temperature.
Feeding African Clawed Frogs
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. Providing proper nutrition is key to ensuring a long and healthy life for your African water frog.
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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, feed 3-4 items twice a week. With smaller food including crickets and bloodworms, feed 10 crickets or 3 pinches of blood worms every other day. A diverse diet improves your frog’s health.
Example Feeding Schedule:
- Monday: 3 comets, and one earthworm
- Wednesday: 3 pinches of blood worms
- Friday: 2 Comets and 3 worms
- Sunday: Small snack of bloodworms
Earthworms are a favorite! Drop them in the tank and allow the frogs to hunt them down. It is a lot of fun watching them gobble them down!
African Clawed Frogs for Beginners EP5: Tank Décor
Our expertly formulated aquatic frog food is designed to meet the unique dietary needs of African water frogs. This diet is perfect for all freshwater aquatic frogs including African dwarf frogs and other small species. The 100% nutritionally complete formula is 50% protein to support frog growth and energy levels. Sinking pellets make this diet easier for underwater frogs to locate and consume.
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Additional Information
African Clawed Frogs are nocturnal, meaning they rest during the day and are active at night. They typically hide away in hides or plants within their enclosure to rest.
Male African Clawed Frogs are usually smaller than females, with 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. Females respond back to the male’s calls.
An estimated length for an adult African Clawed Frog is 5 inches (12.7cm). These are great frogs for beginners!
African Dwarf Frogs
African dwarf frogs are tiny, fully aquatic amphibians that bring big personality to small aquariums. Despite their shared origin, they’re not the same as African clawed frogs. Dwarf frogs stay small, maxing out around 2.5 in (6 cm), and have webbed feet and pointed snouts.
African dwarf frogs are fully aquatic but still need to breathe air, so they swim to the water's surface regularly. In the wild, they live in shallow waters with slow currents, so avoid strong filtration when keeping them as pets. These adult frogs aren't fast eaters.
African dwarf frogs eat a varied diet in captivity. Offer high-quality food like frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or sinking frog pellets. Because they can’t see well, feeding requires patience. Use feeding tongs or place food near them to ensure they eat enough. Choose nonaggressive fish like guppies or tetras as good tank mates.
During breeding season, males sing to attract females with a low humming noise. The average lifespan for African dwarf frogs is about 5 years, though some live longer with good care.
