African Dwarf Frog

The African dwarf frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) is a small, fully aquatic frog from central Africa that spends its whole life in the water but still breathes air, so it makes regular trips to the surface. It has no claws and no tongue, hunts largely by smell and touch rather than sight, and moves in a slow, deliberate way that is a good part of its appeal. It is easily confused in shops with the African clawed frog, a much larger animal that grows well beyond dwarf frog size.

Aquarium care

• Fully aquatic, but must be able to reach the surface easily to breathe.
• Keep three or more; they are social and more active in company.
• Smooth substrate and gentle flow, with plants or wood to shelter under.
• A close-fitting lid is essential, and a small air gap below the rim helps.
• Carnivore. Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and sinking meaty foods, placed where they can find it.
• Slow, poor-sighted feeders that are easily beaten to food by fish.

They do best in their own tank or with small, calm, slow-feeding fish. Anything large enough to swallow a frog, or quick enough to clear the food first, is unsuitable. Never release aquarium animals into local waterways, ponds or storm drains.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See what is in the freshwater fish collection.