About African Clawed Frog

WARNING: The African Clawed Frog is a predatory amphibian that will eat virtually any fish or invertebrate that fits in its mouth. Growing to 4-5 inches with a voracious appetite, these frogs are not suitable for community tanks. They have clawed front feet (unlike the webbed feet of Dwarf Frogs) and powerful hind legs for swimming. While often sold as cute tiny frogs, they become large predators and have been released into the wild where they are invasive in many areas. They require species-only tanks or very large tanks with large fish only.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

African Clawed Frogs need species-only tanks or very large setups.

Essential Setup:

  • 20+ gallons minimum
  • No gravel or very large gravel (can swallow small gravel)
  • Hiding spots
  • Bare bottom or large river rocks
  • Secure lid (can climb)

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • pH: 6.5-8.0
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-15 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Voracious predators:

  • Tubifex worms
  • Bloodworms
  • Live or frozen fish
  • Carnivore pellets
  • Insects, crickets

Appetite: Will eat constantly if allowed. Feed 3-4 times weekly.

WARNING - Do Not Keep With Small Tank Mates

Will eat:

  • Goldfish
  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Corydoras
  • Shrimp
  • Snails
  • Anything that fits in mouth

Safe Tank Mates (in very large tanks):

  • Large cichlids
  • Large goldfish
  • Fish too big to swallow
  • Invasive species: Illegal to release
  • Released frogs: Established wild populations
  • Ecological damage: Eat native species
  • Legal restrictions: Check local laws

Identification vs. African Dwarf Frog

African Clawed Frog:

  • Claws on front feet
  • Larger (4-5 inches)
  • Eyes on top of head
  • More aggressive
  • Predatory

African Dwarf Frog:

  • Webbed front feet
  • Smaller (1.5-2.5 inches)
  • Eyes on sides
  • Peaceful
  • Community safe

Behavior

  • Clumsy on land: Aquatic only
  • Powerful swimmer: Uses hind legs
  • Hunter: Constantly looking for food
  • Nocturnal: Active at night

Long Lifespan

  • Live 10-20 years: Long-term commitment
  • Often purchased: As tiny frogs without warning
  • Become large: Grow to 4-5 inches

Breeding

Easy to breed:

  • Amplexus: Male grasps female
  • Hundreds of eggs: Released
  • Tadpoles: Cannibalistic

Recommendation

Not recommended for most aquarists:

  • Too predatory for communities
  • Long lifespan commitment
  • Become large
  • Environmental concerns

Consider African Dwarf Frogs instead: Smaller, peaceful, community-safe.

If You Must Keep One

  • Species only tank
  • No gravel (swallowing risk)
  • Large tank
  • Understand 10-20 year commitment
  • Never release to wild

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 None recommended