African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

   The African Clawed Frog is a large species of aquatic frog, with males growing to 4 inches SVL, and females reaching 5 inches SVL. These frogs are dorsally grey, brown, olive, or yellowish with dark irregular splotches. The underside is cream or white. The front limbs end in four skinny toes, and the hind legs are fully webbed with small black claws. This species is often used in scientific research, and Albino specimens are sometimes dyed with neon colors and sold as "Jelly Bean Frogs".

-In Nature-

Range

Clawed frogs inhabit wetlands, ponds, and lakes of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Life Span

Xenopus laevis may live 15 or so  years in their natural habitat.

Diet 

In the wild, these frogs dine on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, worms, and water surface dwelling insects. Unlike most species of frog, Clawed frogs will eat their prey whether it is living or dead.

-In Captivity-

Life Span

In captivity, these aquatic frogs have been known to live up to 30 years!

Diet

Captive ACFs may be fed a specialized pellet diet, formulated for aquatic frogs. They may also be fed a variety of bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped earthworms, waxworms, and minnows or feeder guppies.

Housing

For these frogs, the minimum enclosure size is 10 gallons. The water in their enclosure should reach no higher than 12 inches, as they must surface from the bottom to breathe. There should be many hiding places and plants in the enclosure, and the substrate may be left out or made of aquarium gravels too large to be ingested. Filtration may be avoided with regular water changes, or a very gentle filter may be used.

Feeding

Clawed frogs should be fed what they can consume in a 10 minute window, 3 to 4 times a week. Weight gain should be monitored very closely, as obesity is a very common and very life threatening issue with this species.

Temperature

65 to 75°F water

Heating & Lighting

If the ambient room temperature does not meet the frog's requirements, a small under water heater may be used to reach the adequate water temperature. As UVB is not required, a standard aquarium hood will provide light. These frogs should be maintained on a light cycle of 12 hours light ad 12 hours dark.

Handling

These frogs should never be handled, and especially never out of water, as their very delicate skin must stay extremely moist. They can, however, be trained to eat their meals straight from their owner's hand.

Compatibility

Multiple frogs may be housed together if offered 10 gallons of tank per frog. Males may harass females from time to time, but generally these frogs do well in groups.