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Photo: James Gathany, Public domain

African Dwarf Frog

Hymenochirus boettgeri

Also known as ADF, Dwarf Clawed Frog

Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed November 8, 2026

EasyCross-checked against Seriously Fish & FishBase

Beginner verdict

A small, fully aquatic frog that paddles along the bottom and floats up to breathe air. It feeds slowly and has poor eyesight, so faster fish easily steal its meals. A species-only tank or very calm companions work best. It needs a lid and easy surface access.

Care at a glance

Min tank size: 10 US gal
Footprint: Not specified
Temperature: 72–78 °F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Hardness: 5–20 dGH
Swim zone: Bottom
Min group: 3 fish
Lifespan: 5–10 years

Check your local rules on African Dwarf Frog

Official lists name this animal or its close relatives. Rules differ by place, so check the rules where you live before you buy or keep one.

Hawaii
Hawaii's list of prohibited animals names the whole frog family Pipidae, which includes African dwarf frogs. Its only exceptions are two other species, for research and exhibition by government agencies.
Source: List of Prohibited Animals (Hawaii Department of Agriculture)
Virginia
Virginia needs a special permit to bring in, keep or sell African dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus), which it lists as predatory or undesirable.
Source: Virginia Administrative Code, 4VAC15-30-40; Virginia Administrative Code, 4VAC15-30-40

Never release aquarium animals or plants into the wild, including into ponds, rivers or drains.

This is general information, not legal advice. We last checked these lists on 4 November 2026, and the US state lists on 8 November 2026. Our US state aquarium rules table shows every state, including the ones whose lists we could not read. We did not check Spanish regional rules, and other countries have their own.

African Dwarf Frog care mistakes to avoid

The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.

Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 3 fish so they feel secure.
Do not confuse it with the larger African clawed frog, which eats fish.
Hand-feed if needed. Fast fish often take its food before it finds it.
Keep the water shallow enough to reach the surface easily, and fit a lid.
Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 10 US gallons.

African Dwarf Frog tank mates and swim zone

Bottom

Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.

Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha

African Dwarf Frog feeding and care

How to feed

Feed bloodworm or sinking carnivore pellets directly in front of it.
Use a feeding dish or tongs, so slower frogs get their share.
Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.

Telling males from females

Females are larger and rounder. Mature males are slimmer, with a small gland behind each front leg.

Plants that suit it

Species facts

Family: Pipidae
Native to: Central Africa
Adult size: 1.4 in (3.5 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social needs: Harem/Pairs
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Low/Still
Substrate: Smooth Gravel
Live plants: Yes - Loves Plants
Shrimp: Adult Shrimp Only
Fin nipping: None
Vulnerable to nippers: Yes
Breeding: Difficult in Home Tanks

African Dwarf Frog FAQ

What size tank do African Dwarf Frogs need?

Our sourced minimum is 10 US gallons (38 liters). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many African Dwarf Frogs should I keep?

Keep at least 3 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.

What can live with African Dwarf Frogs?

Good matches on our list include Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra. Avoid Swordtail and Bristlenose Pleco.

How long do African Dwarf Frogs live?

Care guides report about 5–10 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.

Can African dwarf frogs live with fish?

Sometimes, but they compete poorly for food. Very calm, small fish are the safest option, and many keepers prefer a species-only tank.

Where to buy African Dwarf Frog

We have not found a store that sells African Dwarf Frog under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.

Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).

Not allowed without a permit in: Hawaii and Virginia (see the note above)

Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.

Complete the tank

The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.

Shop in:

Tank size for this species
At least 10 US gallons (38 L), Not specified footprint
Filter
Air-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
- Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
  Check the voltage: this filter runs from an air pump, which plugs in. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so choose a pump sold for your own country.
  Maker's page
- Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
  Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.
  Maker's page
- Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
  Check the voltage: this filter runs from an air pump, which plugs in. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so choose a pump sold for your own country.
  Maker's page
- Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
  Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.
  Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10
Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
- Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
  Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.
  Maker's page
- Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
  Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.
  Maker's page
- Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
  Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.
  Maker's page · Sold at zooplus.es
- Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
  Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.
  Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
- Seachem Prime US
  Maker's page · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
- Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
  Maker's page
- API Betta Water Conditioner US
  Maker's page
- sera aquatan Spain
  Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal
- Tetra AquaSafe Spain
  Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
- API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
  Maker's page · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
- API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
  Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
- sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
  Maker's page
- JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
  Maker's page
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.

Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.