Dwarf Clawed Frog

Hymenochirus

   There are four species of Dwarf African Clawed frog. H. boettgeri is the most common pet species, the other species are H. boulengeri, H. curtipes, and H. feae. All four species are fully aquatic. Though they live their entire lives underwater, they must surface for air. In the case of H. boettgeri, the dorsum is dark brown to grey and spotted, while the underside is cream or white. All four feet are webbed, and each toe is tipped with a small black claw. These frogs typically reach 1½ inches SVL.

-In Nature-

Range

Dwarf Clawed frogs inhabit pools and slow moving water bodies on the forest floors of Equatorial Africa.

Life Span

H. boettgeri may live 5 or so  years in their habitat.

Diet 

In their natural habitat, these frogs dine on small aquatic invertebrates. Unlike most species of frog, Dwarf Clawed frogs will eat their prey whether it is living or dead.

-In Captivity-

Life Span

In captivity, these little water frogs have been known to live about 5 years, but some have been reported to live to be as old as 20.

Diet

Captive ADCFs may be fed a specialized pellet diet, formulated for aquatic frogs. They may also be fed a variety of bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, chopped earthworms, daphnia, and blackworms.

Housing

For these frogs, the general rule is 1 gallon of space per frog. The water in their enclosure should reach no higher than 24 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 small aquarium gravels.

Feeding

Dwarf Clawed frogs prefer food that will sink to the bottom, where they spend most of their time, and should be fed in small amounts one or two times daily.

Temperature

75 to 80°F water

Heating & Lighting

A small under water heater may be used to reach the adequate water temperature, and a standard aquarium hood will provide light.

Handling

These little frogs should never be handled, and especially never out of water, as their very delicate skin must stay extremely moist.

Compatibility

African Dwarf Clawed frogs thrive in the company of their own species. They may also live alongside non-aggressive community fish, as long as the ratio (1 gallon of water per frog + 1 gallon of water per inch of fish) is followed.