
African Clawed Frogs are often confused with African Dwarf Frogs, but they are two different species. African Clawed Frogs are bigger and more aggressive than their dwarf counterparts, and they will eat anything that fits in their mouths. They are also illegal to own in some states.
African Clawed Frogs can be purchased from pet stores, but be aware that they are sometimes mislabelled as African Dwarf Frogs. If you are looking to buy one, make sure you do your research first to ensure you are getting the correct species.
As for feeder guppies, they can be purchased from local fish stores or online retailers. However, it is important to note that feeder guppies are often maintained under basic conditions, so there is a risk of introducing disease into your tank. It is recommended to quarantine and medicate new fish before adding them to your aquarium.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Frog species | African Clawed Frog |
Feeder guppies source | Local pet stores |
Other tank mates | Swordtails, goldfish, betta, guppies, dwarf frogs, tetras, gouramis, danios, Corydoras Catfish, platies, cherry barbs, hatchetfish, mollies, Zebra danios, neon tetras, snails |
Tank size | 20 gallons |
Water temperature | 72°F to 82°F |
Water pH | 6.5 to 7.8 |
Water hardness | 5 to 20 dGH |
Diet | Raw seafood, white fish fillet, raw shrimp, bloodworms, brine shrimps, daphnia, pellets, flakes |
Lifespan | Up to 20 years |
What You'll Learn
- Feeder guppies for African clawed frogs can be purchased from PetSmart
- African clawed frogs will eat anything that fits in their mouths
- African clawed frogs are illegal to own in some states
- African clawed frogs can live for up to 30 years in captivity
- African clawed frogs require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons
Feeder guppies for African clawed frogs can be purchased from PetSmart
African clawed frogs are voracious eaters and will eat anything that fits in their mouths. As such, they are often fed feeder guppies, which are small enough to be consumed.
When keeping African clawed frogs, it is important to note that they produce a lot of waste. Therefore, it is recommended to have a powerful filter and perform frequent water changes to maintain water quality.
In terms of tank setup, African clawed frogs prefer shallow tanks with plenty of hiding places and floating plants. They require a diet of high-quality food, such as frozen bloodworms or live black worms, as they are slow eaters and need a food source that stays in the water for a longer period without disintegrating.
Overall, PetSmart is a viable option for purchasing feeder guppies for African clawed frogs, but it is important to be mindful of the care requirements of these frogs to provide them with a healthy and suitable environment.
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African clawed frogs will eat anything that fits in their mouths
African clawed frogs are hardy predators with an appetite for anything that fits in their mouths. In the wild, they are considered an invasive species on four continents, and have been known to eat the young of other frogs. They are incredibly adaptable, and can survive in a variety of conditions and on a variety of food sources.
In captivity, they are popular pets, largely because they are easy to care for and live a long time. They are not, however, meant for handling. Their skin dries out quickly when they are out of water, and they are adept at propelling themselves out of water and escaping.
In terms of diet, they can be fed floating reptiles or amphibian sticks, as well as waxworms, earthworms, feeder fish, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and freshwater snails. Guppies are a popular choice of feeder fish, and can be purchased from pet stores. It is important to note that overfeeding is more of a problem than underfeeding.
African clawed frogs are prone to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as red-leg disease, a parasitic infestation. These diseases are often due to poor water quality in the tank.
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African clawed frogs are illegal to own in some states
African clawed frogs are illegal to own in some US states due to their potential to become harmful invasive species. They can travel short distances to other bodies of water, and some have even been documented to survive mild freezes. They have been shown to devastate native populations of frogs and other creatures by eating their young.
African clawed frogs are illegal to own, transport or sell without a permit in the following US states: Arizona, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington state. However, it is legal to own them in New Brunswick (Canada) and Ohio.
African clawed frogs are also illegal to own in some areas outside the US, such as South Wales in the United Kingdom.
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African clawed frogs can live for up to 30 years in captivity
African clawed frogs, also known as Xenopus, can live for up to 30 years in captivity. In the wild, they are native to the ponds and rivers of Sub-Saharan Africa and are often a mottled greenish-grey-brown colour, with a pale white-cream belly. They are considered invasive in several countries across four continents, including Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.
African clawed frogs are fully aquatic and rarely leave the water, except to migrate to new water bodies during droughts or other disturbances. They are powerful swimmers, with large webbed hind feet and autonomous front feet, which they use to tear apart food. They have no tongue, so they use their hands to grab food and shovel it into their mouths. They are scavengers with a varied diet, eating almost anything living, dying, or dead, including fish, tadpoles, crustaceans, and worms.
In captivity, African clawed frogs are popular pets and are easy to care for. They are sensitive to the toxic effects of metal ions in the water and require dechlorinated water. They do not require UV lighting or a heat source, as they do well at room temperature. A secure lid is a must, as they are adept at escaping. A 10-gallon aquarium is the minimum size for one frog, and the water should be 7 to 12 inches deep.
African clawed frogs are prone to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as red-leg disease, a parasitic infestation. These health issues are often due to poor water quality, so regular water changes are important. Overfeeding is also more of an issue than underfeeding, so it is recommended to feed them daily and monitor their body shape.
African clawed frogs can make fun pets to watch, but they should not be handled as their skin dries out quickly when out of water. They are long-lived and adaptable, with a lifespan of up to 30 years in captivity, providing a unique opportunity to observe their behaviour and care for them over an extended period.
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African clawed frogs require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons
It's important to note that a larger tank is always better for African clawed frogs. If you can provide a tank that is bigger than 20 gallons, that would be even better. The more space they have, the happier and healthier they will be.
In addition to the tank size, there are a few other things to keep in mind when setting up a habitat for an African clawed frog. First, make sure the water is dechlorinated. You can use a product from a pet store to remove chlorine, or let the water sit for at least 24 hours. African clawed frogs are sensitive to metal ions in the water, so avoid using any containers or utensils that may have metal residue.
The water depth should be 7 to 12 inches, as this will allow the frogs to easily reach the surface to breathe. These frogs are excellent escape artists, so a secure lid is a must. They can propel themselves out of the water and will take any opportunity to explore outside their tank!
When it comes to filtration, some experts believe that using filters can cause constant stress for African clawed frogs. The vibration from the filter may be disturbing for them. However, going without a filter means that you will need to change the water at least once a week. Some owners opt for gentle filtration to keep the water clean while minimising stress for their frogs.
As for the temperature, African clawed frogs do well at room temperature. Keep the tank between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius). You can use an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature and make sure it stays within this range.
In terms of lighting, African clawed frogs don't usually need special UV lighting. You can provide indirect lighting or use a simple aquarium light to maintain a normal day-night cycle. Aim for around 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day.
Lastly, don't forget to add some decorations and hiding places to the tank. African clawed frogs like to have places to explore and hide, so include some rocks, wood branches, and logs. You can also add live or artificial plants to provide extra cover and make their habitat feel more natural.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy feeder guppies for your African Clawed Frog at PetSmart or Petco.
A good rule of thumb is to have around five gallons of water per frog.
African Clawed Frogs are omnivores and can be fed a diet of meaty foods, fish pellets, and flakes.
No, you should not keep African Dwarf Frogs with African Clawed Frogs as the latter will eat the former.