Small creatures. Extraordinary world.   •   A Really Byte field guide
Pipidae · Species field note

African dwarf frog

Hymenochirus boettgeri

African dwarf frog

Mwatro · CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped for display. Full photo credit & licence

Region
Africa
Main habitat
aquatic
Adult body length
About 3–4 cm; females often fuller-bodied
Keeping suitability
Pet candidate — research first

A little natural history

Small aquatic frogs associated with central African freshwater habitats. Aquarium stock sold under this name may include unresolved Hymenochirus lineages. Both front and back feet are webbed, unlike the larger Xenopus.

The wonderfully odd bit

Small does not mean gill-breathing: adults must reach the surface for air.

Would this frog suit a home?

Provide a cycled aquarium, unobstructed surface access and careful feeding so food reaches each frog. Do not assume a mixed fish aquarium is suitable; verify identification.

Only consider legally obtained, captive-bred animals. Check permits and restrictions where you live, test the habitat first, and arrange an amphibian-experienced vet. This brief profile is not a complete husbandry sheet.

Read the species-specific care guide ↗

A note on names

Other names you may encounter: Dwarf clawed frog; Hymenochirus aquarium frogs. Taxonomic names change; older care resources may use earlier combinations.

Keep exploring

Read the reference for this species ↗

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