African Clawed Frog
Xenopus laevis
Also sold as Albino clawed frog
African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) is an aggressive freshwater amphibian that reaches about 12.5 cm (4.9 in) and swims near the surface. It wants 70–75°F (21–24°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 38 L (10 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Amphibian |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 38 L (10 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 70–75°F (21–24°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- African Clawed Frog needs at least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 10 Gallon.
- It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 4.2 cm (1.6 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and White Cloud Minnow.
- It holds at 70–75°F (21–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It is aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- Before you buy: it is banned or licence-only in some places, so check your local rules first.
- One of them takes up roughly 68% of what a 10 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 10 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
70–75°F (21–24°C), pH 6.5–7.5.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| African Clawed Frog | African Dwarf Frog | Chinese Fire-bellied Newt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 12.5 cm | 4 cm | 10 cm |
| Min tank | 38 L | 38 L | 57 L |
| Group | 1+ | 2+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 70–75°F (21–24°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 57–68°F (14–20°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Shrimplets only | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (7) · checked Sep 2026
- Local rulesdab.hawaii.gov
- Minimum tankdubiaroaches.com
- What it eatsen.wikipedia.org
- What it eatsfishlore.com
- Local ruleswdfw.wa.gov
- Jumpingzillarules.com
- theaquariumadviser.com