A fully aquatic amphibian that is peaceful and highly entertaining. They possess lungs and must regularly dart to the surface to breathe air, so tank height should ideally be under 40cm (15 inches). Due to their poor eyesight, they hunt by smell and tactile vibration, making them slow feeders that can easily starve if housed with fast, aggressive fish. They are social creatures that thrive in small groups.
African Dwarf Frog At a Glance
African Dwarf Frog Tank Requirements
Will African Dwarf Frog fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what African Dwarf Frog needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test African Dwarf Frog against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
African Dwarf Frog Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
African Dwarf Frog Temperament & Compatibility
African Dwarf Frog Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard African Dwarf Frog. Requires smooth substrate or sand to prevent internal impaction from accidentally swallowing gravel during lunging feeding behaviors.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Unsexed
Blonde / Leucistic
A lighter, leucistic color morph. Ensure this is not a juvenile African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis), which grow much larger and are highly predatory. Dwarf frogs always have webbed front feet; Clawed frogs do not.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Blonde ADF, White Dwarf Frog, Albino
African Dwarf Frog Care Guide Summary
The African Dwarf Frog, scientifically known as Hymenochirus boettgeri, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the African Dwarf Frog requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the African Dwarf Frog is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Blonde / Leucistic. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
African Dwarf Frog Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the African Dwarf Frog, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
African Dwarf Frog Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the African Dwarf Frog is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
African Dwarf Frog Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for African Dwarf Frog.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
African Dwarf Frog Feeding & Diet Considerations
The African Dwarf Frog will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About African Dwarf Frog
How big does African Dwarf Frog get?
African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does African Dwarf Frog need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for African Dwarf Frog. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does African Dwarf Frog need?
African Dwarf Frog thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–27°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is African Dwarf Frog peaceful or aggressive?
African Dwarf Frog is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can African Dwarf Frog live alone?
No, African Dwarf Frog should be kept in groups of at least 2 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Is African Dwarf Frog safe with shrimp?
No. African Dwarf Frog is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does African Dwarf Frog have any special tank requirements?
Yes. African Dwarf Frog benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), sand (sifters), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does African Dwarf Frog need a lid on the tank?
Yes. African Dwarf Frog is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for African Dwarf Frog
These fish are strong compatibility matches for African Dwarf Frog based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesAfrican Pipefish
Enneacampus ansorgii
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesTwig Catfish (Farlowella)
Farlowella acus
Ideal Tank MatesKeyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Ideal Tank MatesWhiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit African Dwarf Frog
These plants pair well with African Dwarf Frog based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to African Dwarf Frog
African Clawed Frog
Xenopus laevis
A fully aquatic, highly active amphibian. DO NOT confuse with the peaceful, nano-sized African Dwarf Frog. The African Clawed Frog grows much larger and will voraciously eat any fish or invertebrate that fits in its mouth. They lack teeth and tongues, using their clawed, webbed hands to shovel food into their mouths. They require a tight-fitting lid (they are notorious escape artists) and prefer cooler water, low flow, and smooth substrate to protect their sensitive skin.
African Butterfly Cichlid
Anomalochromis thomasi
A peaceful, colorful dwarf cichlid from West Africa. Unlike many cichlids, it is plant-safe and generally suitable for community tanks. It is famous in the hobby as an efficient biological control for pest snails.
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A highly popular and vibrant dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Named for the male's flamboyant, crest-like dorsal fin. They are cave-spawners that require a fine sand substrate (which they sift through their gills) and plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become fiercely territorial when breeding.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (CPO)
Cambarellus patzcuarensis
A highly entertaining, fully aquatic dwarf crayfish. In the aquarium trade, the bright orange 'CPO' morph is the most popular. Unlike larger crayfish, they are generally safe with plants and fast-moving mid-to-top dwelling fish. However, they are opportunistic omnivores with claws; they will hunt dwarf shrimp and may nip the fins of slow, long-finned bottom dwellers.
Dwarf Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
The Dwarf Pea Puffer is a tiny, fully freshwater pufferfish native to India. Despite their cute appearance, they are fierce micropredators and notorious fin-nippers. Modern husbandry standards strongly dictate they are highly social and must be kept in species-only shoals of 6 or more in heavily planted aquariums to disperse aggression and reduce stress. They require a steady diet of small snails and live/frozen foods.