African dwarf frogs
Parameters
Disclaimer: I got these levels by finding multiple sources and rounding the the numbers
6.5-7.8
GH:
5-20dgh / 90-357ppm
KH:
4-8dkh / 70-140ppm
Temperature:
72-78F / 22-25C
Minimum tank size:
10g / 38L
Keep in mind that the animals may have been born and raised in different parameters, so it’s possible these may not be the best fit
Info
Names:
Hymenochirus
Dwarf aquatic frog
African dwarf frog
ADF
Family:
Pipidae
Size:
2-3in / 5- 7.62 cm
Life span:
typically 5-7 years
Sometimes 10-20years
Diet:
Carnivore
NO BLOOD WORMS
they can cause bloat
Feeding style:
Every frog is different, but most likely you will have to hand feed them
Swim level:
Mainly bottom
Behavior:
peaceful
shoaling
Jump risk:
Mid- high
Substrate:
Smooth Gravel big enough they can’t swallow
Tank:
Species only
(With exceptions)
Water flow:
Very Low
Activity:
Low-Moderate
Active during the day
Care level:
Beginner-intermediate
Notes:
They shouldn’t usually be in community tanks because they are mostly blind. This makes it difficult for them to compete for food. They may also accidentally attack tank mates thinking they are food.
Anatomy
I couldn’t find a chart for females, but just know they’re slightly chubbier/larger.
Males will most likely have a white
Bump behind their front arms. Females will usually be a little larger and rounder.
Female
Male
They have swim bladders, just like fish. Unlike fish, they have lungs. but they also can breathe air through their skin as opposed to other aquatic frogs.
Eukarya - Domain of life whose cells have nuclei
Animalia - animals
Chordata - has Notochord, Dorsal nerve cord, Pharyngeal slits and Post-anal tail at some point
Amphibia - amphibians
Pipidae - clawed frogs and their relatives
Hymenochirus - African dwarf frogs
Breeding
They often breed during seasonal rains in the wild. You can re-create this with water changes with slightly cooler water being added back. Males will “sing” a low hum to attract females. The “hugging” in the picture is called amplexus.
Offspring count:
Roughly 25 fry
Females usually spawn 200 to 800 eggs, but they have a high mortality rate because of sensitivity’s
Metamorphosis:
6 to 8 weeks to turn into frogs
Origin
African dwarf frogs were first discovered in Nigeria, Cameroon Gabon, the Congo and the democratic Republic of Congo in the 18 hundreds. They were originally imported for laboratory use, but made their way to the pet trade in the 70s.
The Congo river
