Caring for African Dwarf Frogs
African Dwarf Frogs have become a popular addition to aquariums. These little frogs are fully aquatic, so you don’t have to worry about a half aquatic and half terrain aquarium. African Dwarf Frogs are able to survive outside of water.
The frogs are bottom scavengers and are a fantastic choice for kids or controlling your fry population. Add African Dwarf Frogs to your tank if you have too many fry-guppies. They will eat guppy fries to reduce the number. These frogs are more difficult to care for if they’re not being used to manage a guppy population.
We have created a mini-guide to help you keep your African Dwarf Frog friends happy and healthy. This article will discuss some characteristics and feeding tips for African Dwarf Frogs.
Feeding Dwarf Frogs
As mentioned above, African Dwarf Frogs are difficult to feed because they are finicky eaters but on top of that, they are slow eaters and cannot compete with fish. Aquarium owners have to ensure that African Dwarf Frogs can stay in the water longer without separating from their food source. Dwarf frogs can be slow eaters and may return to their food source later to get another bite.
The best food options for African Dwarf Frogs are to feed them either frozen bloodworms or live black worms. While frozen bloodworms may be the most well-known food source, they can also be a great choice for aquatic critters. Frozen bloodworms won’t disintegrate quickly, so your frogs are able to enjoy their favorite foods. Although freeze dried bloodworms are an option, they can also be used. However, dried bloodworms tend to float to the surface while frozen bloodworms fall to the bottom as soon as they defrost. Live black worms are a better option if you don’t want food to be provided every day.
Blackworms are the less common food choice for African Dwarf Frogs, but they pack their own set of great benefits. You can usually purchase a portion of black worms from your local fish store. These worms will live in your tank and will burrow into the gravel. This makes them a more long-lasting food source. This gives them the ability to live inside your tank and be a constant food source for your hungry frogs.
African Dwarf Frogs eat worms by grasping and pulling them into their mouths with a jerking motion. The way the blackworms move will encourage your frogs to eat them and if you have any docile fish in the tank, they will enjoy a snack as well. Blackworms are also an excellent choice for your frog’s food source because they pack high levels of protein. Your frogs will be healthier and more fat-free if they have high levels of protein.
Both black and frozen bloodworms can be used as a food source of high quality. It is best to give your frogs high-quality food because it will keep them happier and the tank cleaner. These frogs are often sold outside of pet shops, such as in mall kiosks. They will usually be advertised as being small-sized and living in small aquariums. The smaller the aquarium is, the less space there is for waste to disperse. A larger concentration of waste will result in less healthy animals and more cleaning. By investing in a larger tank and high-quality food, your animals will live healthier and happier lives.
Food pellets are one food source that we don’t recommend. As mentioned, the African Dwarf Frogs are slow eaters and pellets dissolve in water rapidly. The pellets will quickly disintegrate and your frogs won’t have as much time to enjoy the meal. Also, pellets that are disintegrated can cause more waste to your tank. However, if you do choose to feed your African Dwarf Frogs pellets, it is best to place the pellets in a petri dish inside the tank. The pellets will not be disintegrated and can remain in the tank.
African Dwarf frog behavior
A key point to make is the behavior of African Dwarf Frogs. It often raises concerns for owners. People will often express concern for their frogs if they are seen hugging and not moving for more than a day. This is a common behavior among frogs and a sign that they are mating. Female African Dwarf Frogs are wider, whereas the males are skinnier. If you see a smaller frog hugging a larger frog, there is no need to panic. The frogs are simply doing as nature calls.
You should ensure you have enough space if you plan to raise some tadpoles. As well, any fish that are in the tank with the frogs may pose a threat. While adult frogs may co-exist with docile fish easily, most fish will attempt to eat the frog eggs.
African Dwarf Frogs are a wonderful addition to any tank. If you are sure to feed them correctly, in no time you could have thriving and happy frogs living in your aquarium.