Hymenochirus boettgeri
African Dwarf Frog
African dwarf frogs are peaceful, fully aquatic amphibians that suit a small, gently filtered species tank.
PipidaeLifespan 5–10 yearsCare complexity 2/5Suitable for beginners
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Hymenochirus boettgeri
- Family
- Pipidae
- Origin
- Equatorial African streams and pools
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Adult size
- 3–4 cm
- Weight
- Under 10 g
- Temperament
- Peaceful and social
- Activity level
- Moderate, active at dusk
- Social needs
- Keep in groups of three or more
- Intelligence
- Learns feeding spots
- Noise
- Faint humming from males
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 40 litres for a group, no deeper than about 30 cm, with a tight lid
- Space requirement
- Horizontal space with hiding places and gentle filtration
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- Fully aquatic
- Exercise
- Shallow swimming space with easy surface access
- Grooming
- Not applicable
Diet and feeding
Sinking frog pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp
Behaviour and compatibility
Surface breathing, singing at night, hanging motionless in the 'zen' pose
- With children
- Good observational pets; never handle
- With other animals
- Keep with small peaceful fish or alone
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Chytrid fungus
- Bloat
- Bacterial infections
- Starvation when outcompeted by fish
- Ammonia poisoning
Aquatic exotics vet; always wash hands before and after tank work
Special care requirements
They must reach the surface to breathe, so avoid deep tanks and strong flow