African Clawed Frog
(Xenopus laevis)

The African clawed frog is aquatic and can be found in southern Africa and can grow up to five inches in length. The African clawed frog is wedge shaped, with the head being smaller than the rest of the body. The eyes are positioned on the top of the head and lack eyelids. The African clawed frog's color ranges from grayish to brownish with marbled and darker shades with a creamy white underside. Albino morphs are becoming more popular and are commonly found.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The African clawed frog's smaller size make it an excellent choice for hobbyists to keep, especially those who have experience with tropical fish.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (20 gallons or more, depending on the number of African clawed frogs kept) with a secure lid
• Aquarium Heater

Substrate, such as:

• Pea gravel

A heating element, such as:

• Aquarium Heater

Enclosure

African clawed frogs are exclusively aquatic and should be maintained in an aquarium. Ten gallons of dechlorinated water per frog with a minimum of 20 gallons should be fine. The water level should not exceed 12 inches to allow the African clawed frog to easily reach the surface to breathe. There should also be some hide places in the enclosure. Metal items should be avoided in the aquarium since the metal ions can be toxic to the African clawed frog. An aquarium filter should be used to help maintain the water quality of the aquarium. In addition to the filter, a 25% water change should be performed every week with a gravel siphon to help maintain the water quality.

Substrate

African clawed frogs can easily be kept with no substrate in the aquarium at all. If you use gravel in your aquarium then try to use a larger size gravel to avoid accidental ingestion of the gravel by the African clawed frog.

Heating and Light

African clawed frogs should have water temperatures maintained at 70°F to 75°F and have a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The water should be tested regularly to maintain optimal water conditions. A standard aquarium heater should be used to maintain the water temperature. A standard aquarium hood can be used with a timer to provide a twelve hour photoperiod. No specialized bulbs are required.

Diet

African clawed frogs are scavengers and will eat anything that they can put in their mouth. Items such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, krill, shrimp pellets, waxworms, tubifex worms, mealworms, guppies, silversides, waterfleas, or many commercially available foods such as Reptomin™ and HBH Frog and Tadpole Bites can all be offered as food.