Watch an African Dwarf Frog paddle up for a gulp of air, then drift back down to rest among the plants. These small, fully aquatic frogs live their whole lives underwater and bring plenty of character to a quiet freshwater aquarium. Supplied at 2–3cm, they are peaceful, sociable and happiest in a small group.
Overview
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Scientific name: Hymenochirus curtipes
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Supplied size: 2–3cm
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Adult size: around 3–4cm
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Water temperature: 24–26°C
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Minimum tank: 20 litres for two or three frogs
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Lifespan: around five years with good care
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Temperament: peaceful; best kept in groups of three or more
Origin
African Dwarf Frogs come from slow-moving and still waters in central Africa. They are often confused with the African clawed frog (Xenopus), which grows much larger and will eat small fish. A dwarf frog has webbing on all four feet, a slim pointed face and eyes on the sides of its head. A clawed frog has unwebbed front feet and eyes on top of a flatter head.
Temperature & Water
Keep the water at a steady 24–26°C. A heater is needed in Irish homes, and a thermometer lets you check it at a glance. Frogs absorb what is in the water through their skin, so always treat tap water with a water conditioner and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Change around a quarter of the water each week.
Enclosure
Choose a mature, filtered aquarium of at least 20 litres for two or three frogs, or 40 litres or more for a larger group. Frogs swim to the surface to breathe, so a low, wide tank suits them better than a tall one. Fit a secure lid with no gaps, as frogs can escape. Use gentle filtration, sand or smooth gravel too large to swallow, and plenty of plants and caves for resting and hiding.
Diet
African Dwarf Frogs have poor eyesight and find food by smell and touch, so they are easily outcompeted by fish. Place food directly in front of each frog with a pipette or feeding tweezers, in the same spot each time. Offer thawed frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp and a sinking aquatic-frog food once a day or every other day, giving only what they eat in a few minutes. A healthy frog looks rounded; a visible spine or thin legs means it needs more food.
Handling & Temperament
These are frogs to watch rather than handle: their skin is delicate and they should not be taken out of the water. They are peaceful and sociable with their own kind. A frog-only tank is simplest. If you add fish, choose small, calm species that will not compete for food or nip, and avoid fast, greedy feeders and anything large enough to swallow a frog. Shrimp may be eaten.
Normal Behaviour
- Floating still at the surface with legs spread out is normal resting.
- Darting to the surface and back is a frog taking a breath.
- Shedding skin happens regularly, and frogs often eat the shed.
- A soft buzzing or humming at night is a male calling.
Lifespan
Around five years with suitable care, sometimes longer.
Care
Test the water regularly and watch for changes. Bloating, white fluffy patches, red legs or a thin, inactive frog are signs that something is wrong. Check water quality first and ask our aquatics team or a vet with amphibian experience before treating. Avoid copper-based medicines and check that any treatment is safe for amphibians.
Click & Collect only: order online and wait for confirmation before collecting from Newlands Home & Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. We do not ship live animals.
