African Dwarf Frog
Hymenochirus boettgeri
Also sold as ADF · Hymenochirus · Dwarf African frog · Dwarf clawed frog
Synonyms Hymenochirus curtipes
African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) is a peaceful freshwater amphibian that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 6.5–7.8, is kept in groups of 2 or more, and needs a tank of at least 38 L (10 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Amphibian |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 38 L (10 gal) |
| Group size | 2 or more |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 5–20 |
| Lifespan | 5–6 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- African Dwarf Frog needs at least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 10 Gallon.
- Keep 2 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- A group of 2 takes up roughly 25% of what a 10 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
African Dwarf Frog: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 10 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
2 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6.5–7.8, GH 5–20.
How long does it live?
5–6 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| African Dwarf Frog | African Clawed Frog | Chinese Fire-bellied Newt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 12.5 cm | 10 cm |
| Min tank | 38 L | 38 L | 57 L |
| Group | 2+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 70–75°F (21–24°C) | 57–68°F (14–20°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Yes | Yes |