Can African Clawed Frog and Australian Smelt Live Together?

African Clawed Frog is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Australian Smelt is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means African Clawed Frog may occasionally assert dominance over Australian Smelt.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between African Clawed Frog and Australian Smelt increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

African Clawed Frog and Australian Smelt both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

Worth noting: African Clawed Frog is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 16°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 20.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house African Clawed Frog and Australian Smelt together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - lighly covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: African Clawed Frog is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Australian Smelt's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. African Clawed Frog is an aggressive eater that may prevent Australian Smelt from getting enough food.

Because African Clawed Frog is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Australian Smelt receives an adequate share.