This article is about how to care for the African dwarf frog!
Steps
Step 1. Set up an aquarium for dwarf frogs
They can easily coexist with some types of fish or aquatic snails.
Step 2. If you want to use an unfiltered aquarium, such as goldfish, 4-8 liters per frog is ideal:
this way you won't have to change the water every two days. If not, you'll need to use a filter to prevent harmful ammonia from frog droppings from building up. African dwarf frogs don't need a lot of space. In nature, these frogs live in small pools or in swampy areas of rainforests. They do not form schools like fish, but rather prefer a safe, quiet, predator-free environment with plenty of bottom space to hide. As long as there is an effective filtration system, a shallow tub of any size will do. Also, make sure the terrarium has no holes in the top, as many frogs flee and die.
Step 3. A filter is a must
In nature, African dwarf frogs live in waters no deeper than 18-20 cm. More depth would be an extra stress for them; these frogs live on the bottom, but they have to swim to the surface to breathe. African dwarf frogs can live with tropical fish in the aquarium; if you opt for this type of solution, set up the aquarium according to the needs of tropical fish, and not the frogs, since the latter can tolerate water conditions that can be toxic to fish.
Step 4. Use gravel or sand for the substrate, 2cm thick or just enough to not feel the bottom of the aquarium if you press with your finger
If you are using rocks or pebbles, you must be absolutely sure that they are not too big. African dwarf frogs can easily get trapped under rocks and suffocate. Either way, include some structure at the bottom of the aquarium, some niche or crevice for the frogs to hide in. Dwarf frogs are sensitive to vibration and movement and often seek refuge in an enclosed space, instinctively trying to avoid predators. Just make sure they don't risk getting trapped
Step 5. Use live or frozen food, such as worms and brine shrimp
You can also use frog pellets. A varied diet is healthy. Never give freeze-dried frozen food: it can cause stomach swelling.
Step 6. Cleaning the aquarium once a week will ensure the good health of the frogs
Step 7. Provide hiding places, such as clay pots or other items you can find in stores
Step 8. Use plants, real or fake
Fake plants need to be silk, not plastic. Plastic risks scratching or injuring frogs.
Step 9. The water temperature should be 21-24 ° C
Use small water heating devices if necessary, but with caution. Check the temperature often if you use them.
Step 10. Young specimens prefer to live in groups
Older frogs prefer to be alone, except during the mating season. Males who live together don't fight; however, males and females can mate. Females are dominant in this species and are more aggressive and hungrier during the mating period.
Step 11. African dwarf frogs are often confused with African clawed frogs, but the two species are very different from each other
Clawed frogs grow much, much larger than dwarf frogs and can reach the size of a softball in adulthood. Clawed frogs eat any fish (or frog) they can get into their mouths, so they shouldn't be kept together with dwarf frogs. Clawed frogs can transmit lethal diseases to dwarf frogs. Clawed frogs do not have interdigital membranes in their front legs and have long claws (if you notice small black claws on the hind legs of dwarf frogs, don't worry - they should have them). Clawed frogs can also be suitable as pets, but research them and their needs and place them in a separate place from African fish and dwarf frogs.
Advice
- Make sure that the tank you use is not too deep, otherwise the frogs will not be able to reach the surface to breathe and could drown.
- Keep two of them to keep each other company (optional, but recommended).
- If you are using a goldfish bowl (which is not recommended), add plants to act as a lid.
- African dwarf frogs are very fond of worms.
Warnings
- Remember that dwarf frogs have salmonella, so never let them out of the aquarium.
- There is a wide range of animals that African dwarf frogs can safely coexist with, but there are a few that they cannot: shrimp, cichlids, damsel fish or Embiotocidae, turtles and, in rare cases, goldfish.. Most animals are fine, but the ones mentioned can be very violent or just too big and can try to eat frogs. Remember: in nature, African dwarf frogs are food for fish, birds, snakes, and most animals larger than themselves. Instinctively, dwarf frogs view anything larger than themselves as a threat and anything smaller as possible food.
