• Home
  • About Me
  • Work with Me
  • Advertising for Bloggers
  • Become A Subscriber
  • Freebie Library
  • Disclaimer and Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Main Categories
    • My Personal Journey
    • Minimalism
    • Self Care
    • Mental Health
    • Parenting
    • Teaching
    • Pregnancy/Babies
    • Books/Reading
    • Crochet
  • Gumroad
Tidbits of Care

Lifestyle blog for self care, mental health and personal growth

Pets  /  May 7, 2021

Need to Know African Dwarf Frog Care Facts

Today I am introducing you to my smallest pet, and telling you all about African dwarf frog care. If you have ever explored my blog, or if you’ve been around since the beginning, you’ll know what I have pets. I love animals, and actually wish I could take on more than I have, but I have to be realistic in the care I can provide my pets. These frogs are super cute, extremely entertaining to watch, and quickly steal your heart.

Pet keeping is a learning curve, and is a huge responsibility. Before taking on any animal as a pet, it’s important to become informed about that animal’s needs so that you can decide if the pet is a good fit for you. Sometimes animals that seem “easy” to take care, or are labelled as “beginner” actually require a lot more care than you may think. The same is true of our friend, the African dwarf frog!

African Dwarf Frog Care

Skip down if you are only interested in my frogs.

Tank Size and Water Temperature

You may have seen these little creatures being sold in toy stores or novelty shops in tiny little container with a bamboo plant. Likely, if you asked, the store employees told you that these frogs come from tiny puddles in Africa and can live in tiny enclosures and that the container they were in was a self sustained habitat. They may have even told you that you only need feed them four or five pellets twice a week. All of this is untrue.

African dwarf frogs require larger enclosures. Those tiny containers were maybe .5 gallons. That is like living a cupboard. At minimum, I wouldn’t place these frogs in anything smaller than a 5 gallon tank, and keep in mind, the smaller the tank, the less frogs you can house. I have a 6 gallon tank and only house two. I could put in a third, but I don’t want to mess up my water chemistry with extra bioload–the poo and extra uneaten food. I actually lost my first pair of frogs when I added a mystery snail to their tank. Ideally, it’d be best to keep a bigger colony of frogs in a larger tank as they are social animals. But never overstock your tank as that can lead to problems you don’t want to deal with–namely sickness and death.

Now, the other thing that is wrong about those tiny habitats African dwarf frogs are sold in, is that they are not heated. You can literally place the container on your coffee table. African dwarf frogs come from a hot climate, and require warmer water which means they need a heater in their tank, as well as a filter because it a myth they live in puddles. Water temperature for these guys should be 72-78F. The tank size and water temperature are going to be essential in your African dwarf frog care.

African dwraf frog tank photo
My tank is very minimalistic, but I went for as natural a look as possible without using live plants.

Feeding Your African Dwarf Frog

When I first started keeping these frogs, I fed them a pellet diet specifically for aquatic frogs. Later, I learned that they could eat frozen foods such as bloodworms and myisis or brine shrimp. I started feeding them bloodworms only to later find out that bloodworms (even frozen ones) can carry parasites that are harmful to these frogs. So I switched to the shrimp. But these frogs never did well and eventually died. Now, I only feed frozen shrimp and the pellet food. There are other options you can feed your frog as well, but these are the ones I stick to and the frogs thrive on this. You only need to feed enough that they can eat their meal in fifteen minutes, so I give a small–meaning tiny–pinch of pellets. If I feed a bigger meal of shrimp, I don’t feed them the next day. Overfeeding your frogs will result in other health problems, including obesity. African dwarf frogs don’t have the greatest eyesight at all, so some people spot feed them, but I have trained mine to know it’s dinner time by tapping on the glass three times. And I think they have a pretty good sense of smell because they always find their food.

Water Changes and Treatment

Key to African dwarf care is water changes and treatment. You cannot just throw your frogs into a tank and never fuss about the water. As I stated above, your tank will need a filter. Preferably one with filter media so it can build up beneficial bacteria essential to keeping a healthy tank. I honestly don’t cycle my tanks, I simply add water, add the water conditioners to remove chlorine and other things that make tap water nasty to our underwater friends, and then wait several days to add my pets–fish or frogs. I don’t add a lot once because that would really screw up the water cycle and I don’t do tons of water changes at the beginning. This is totally against everything you could ever learn about the water cycle, but it honestly works for me and has the been only way I’ve been able to maintain a healthy tank. However, I do water changes once every two weeks (it ought be once a week, but again, I find this works) and switch out the sponge in the filter once a month. Every time I change the water, I take out 10-15% and then add in the same amount of clean, warm, treated water (meaning I condition it with Prime) and my frogs are happy and healthy.

picture of an African dwarf frog
African dwarf frogs adopt a variety of poses, sometimes floating, sometimes lazily leaning against decor.

My Frogs

Related Articles: How I Became a Rabbit Mom

I don’t exactly remember how or why I became a frog mom. I do know however that once I had these little frogs home, I was in love. I do like keeping aquatic pets, but it is a lot of work and honestly, in the future I think my frogs are going to be my only aquatic pets. As suggested above, I have had some luck with keeping African dwarf frogs, and also some losses. I did lose about three sets of African dwarf frogs–the first set after I added a mystery snail, which was a shock as they had been doing amazing; the second set seemed just not right from the beginning and the third set did live a long time until I decided to upgrade them to a larger tank and add in some more froggy friends. Who apparently came infected with a fungus called chythridiomycosis which killed all of my frogs. I am on to my fourth set now, and had to get a new tank and this time opted for a smaller tank, 6 gallons tank and only two frogs. They are doing amazingly well and are a lot of fun to watch!

Sometimes they will stand up tall.

Totally aquatic, African dwarf frogs will need to swim to the surface to grab air, and this is alway fun to watch as they usually dive up really fast, bounce their head out of the water and then dive back down super fast. For a species that generally moves slowly and with goofy movements, this always amazes me. They are nocturnal so you’ll notice them to be much more active at night, however I am lucky enough to have one frog that likes to swim around during the day too. If you are lucky enough to have a male and female, you might even hear the male singing at night! I currently have two males, so no singing, but I did hear my other frogs sing before they were stricken with the deadly fungus and died.

I especially love it when my frogs decided to hang out (literally) in the water. Sometimes they will float up a bit, and then just stay motionless in the water. They also love to hang out on top of the plants, which is why I included huge ones so that I could create a lot of cover for them to hide and hang in. Which means sometimes I don’t see them at all. I didn’t name my frogs only because it’s impossible to tell them apart. Eventually, I nicknamed them Swim Swim (the one that likes to swim around in the front of the tank) and Where Are You for the one who is always hiding, which sometimes freaks me out as he isn’t always easy to find.

I’d say sitting pretty, but I think he’s sitting funky.

Final Thoughts

These little frogs are great. Once a healthy tank is established, maintenance should not pose too challenging, and providing a habitat and proper African dwarf frog care should not be too difficult. There are also lots of ways to have fun with your tank by adding in live plants, aqua scaping and providing as natural a habitat as possible. Always make sure to quarantine all new frogs for eight weeks before adding to an established tank and be sure to get plants from a reputable seller as you’ll have less chance of them with contaminated with pest snails or bacterias. But a simple tank, like mine which I keep bare bottom and with fake plants other than moss balls, will do just as well and the most fun to be had is by observing these goofy and adorable frogs.

Related posts:

Are Round Cages Bad for Birds?
The Story of Doves-My Pets, Part 2
Amazing Finches I Would Love to Keep As Pets

Tags:

  • frogs
  • ,
  • hobbies
  • ,
  • life
  • ,
  • pets

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn
  • Pocket

Post navigation

The Absolute 4 Baby Stroller Must Haves
5 Awesome Blogs I Love and You Will Too

Meet the Blogger

Hi! I'm Giulia
I write a lifestyle blog that seeks to inspire others to begin to their own journey into self care, one tidbit at a time. I am passionate about sharing my own journey from the last decade, and what I've learned along the way. I love chips and dip and Tudor ficiton.

Follow Me

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Ravelry
  • Etsy
  • Goodreads
Buy my product

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Translate

Topic Bits

I’m Looking For…

Let's Connect: Instagram

Today has been a wonderful, quiet day—after all the cleaning was done that is. I cherish quiet days. It’s nice to just melt into them and enjoy the sense of peace that comes with them. I love to read, or crochet on quiet days, or watch the baby as he plays. Who else loves quiet days? #tidbitsofcare #peacefulday #selfcaresunday🌸 #quietdayathome #lifestyleblogger #blog #selfcareblog #timetoreflect🙏
I really want to see green things and flowers again. We had a mild winter until March hit, then snow and wind and rain. I know it’ll be a while till I see green and springs blooms, but who says I can’t indulge in spring like things? Or delight in the longer days? It’s spring in my mind today. When life gets too blah, your imagination can really lift your spirits! Do you imagine warmer days, upcoming vacations or yummy dinners? #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #bloggerlife #springiscoming #spring2023☀️ #springtime🌸 #lifestyleblogger
Yesterday I ran errands and did some housework but I also got on me time and got my nails done. I’ve been doing more light, neutral shades lately. They just feel more me and more elegant. But if I’m in the mood, I splash into colour too! It’s all about just being myself. Because it’s okay to just be me ☺️ #tidbitsofcare #personalgrowth #selflove #selflovemoments #blogger #lifestyleblogging #bloggers #selfcareblog #bloggerlife #bloggerstyle
Life needs living. But each moment doesn’t have to be a blur. Take time to just be. It’s easier than you think! #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #personalgrowth #bloggers #blogging #blogs #bloggerlifesyle #bloggingcommunity #mindfulness #mindfulmonday #mindfulnessmoments
I try to live my best life everyday; be the best mama I can be, but also enjoy the little things, like these. What little things have you enjoyed lately? #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #lifestyleblog #bloggers #blogs #personalgrowth #selfcareispriority #selflove #selflovesaturday #bloggingcommunity #bloggerlife
Change is life, is living. #tidbitsofcare #personalgrowth #selfcarebloggers #selfcareispriority #blogggers #blogs #aspiringblog #selfcarepost #blogger #lifestyleblog

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to get more content and access to our freebie library.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Built with ConvertKit

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

    8 Comments

    • Monique says:
      May 7, 2021 at 10:32 am

      I’m scared of frogs, but this is an exemption — who knew african dwarf frogs could be so cute?! I agree, taking care of a pet is no easy job and it requires commitment. Fixing them a suitable aquarium habitat and feeding them on a schedule consistently is just a few of the tasks. interesting, lovely read! thanks for sharing!
      Monique recently posted…HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH FROM THE EVILS OF SOCIAL MEDIAMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 7, 2021 at 11:08 am

        They are super cute and no reason to be afraid of them for sure! Glad you enjoyed the post.

        Reply
    • Simona says:
      May 10, 2021 at 6:01 am

      OMG – I see so many people having pet frogs lately and yours just made me even more into the idea of having one or two myself once we move into our own place! They look adorable and I loved reading about how to take care of them. I hope TJ, our cat, feels the same about them ahah
      Simona recently posted…Out and About: Cycling in LondonMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 10, 2021 at 8:53 am

        He might not even notice them. A lot of cats barely notice fish in tanks. I guess it depends on the cat, where the tank is.

        Reply
    • Lisa says:
      May 11, 2021 at 5:51 am

      Oh my, how cute are your frogs? I definitely can’t show FLora as she would be BEGGING me for some frogs like this! She has a fish tank and much of the water cycle rules you follow apply to her tank too. Luckily, her fish don’t need warm water, and I aim to keep it that way for the time being 🙂
      Lisa recently posted…Fun science experiments for kids at home: Top Secret *My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 11, 2021 at 10:09 am

        Oh, these are so fascinating to watch! She’d love them. Relent!! LOL

        Reply
    • SwissRide4K says:
      October 19, 2022 at 11:01 am

      Dwarf Frog is very cute. haha
      SwissRide4K recently posted…Roundtrip from Rotenflue mountain station to Hoch-Ybrig Part 01 | Road Cycling Tour | Swiss Ride 4KMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        October 19, 2022 at 11:21 am

        He is, thank you!

        Reply
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

    ConvertKit Form

    I’m Looking For…

    Like My Facebook Page

    Like My Facebook Page

    Tags

    anxiety baby blog blogging blogs books christmas crochet crystals fall food gifts goals gratitude happiness haunted health hobbies home intentional living journalling life lifestyle love mental health minimalism movies parenting personal growth pets poems pregnancy reading selfcare self care shopping stress teachers teaching travel wedding wellness worklife writing yarn

    Archives

    • March 2023
    • December 2022
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    © Copyright Tidbits of Care by LyraThemes.com. All rights reserved.
    Cressida Pro by LyraThemes.com