Species profile
African Dwarf Frog
Hymenochirus sp.
Peaceful
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
3–5 cm adult size
Bottom all
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Fully aquatic frog. Needs calm tankmates and easy access to surface air.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–25 °C
pH
7–7.8
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Bottom all
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.8
Fully aquatic but air-breathing frog. Keep a social group in a calm, escape-proof aquarium with easy access to the surface; fast fish can outcompete them at feeding time.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Alternative names
African Dwarf Frog, Hymenochirus boettgeri (legacy trade assignment), Hymenochirus sp. (captive aquarium stock)
Native range
Captive aquarium stock of unresolved Hymenochirus species identity; do not assign a precise wild range without provenance.
Natural habitat
Use shallow-to-moderate depth, gentle filtration, smooth décor and planted/resting cover while preserving unobstructed trips to the surface.
Diet & feeding
Feed appropriately sized sinking/frozen animal foods directly enough to ensure the slow-feeding frogs receive food; avoid relying on fish flakes or leftovers.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature females are larger and fuller; males develop small post-axillary glands behind the forelimbs.
Breeding
Aquatic amplexus. Eggs are released near the surface/vegetation and hatch into free-swimming tadpoles that require very small foods.