african dwarf frog care sheet - Petco

shopping list 

for needed supplies 

 

appropriate size aquarium 

 

appropriate food, dry and frozen 

 

décor 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

water conditioner 

filter 

water test kit 

full spectrum lighting - T5 recommended 

net 

thermometer 

freshwater substrate 

heater 

hydrometer 

airstone 

air pump 

book about african dwarf frogs 

sources 

speak to an associate about the PETCO library of 

books on african dwarf frogs. 

speak to a PETCO associate about our many private 

brand items available for the care and happiness of 

your pet. 

Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious 

diseases, such as Salmonella, always wash your 

hands before and after handling your aquatic life 

and/or habitat contents to help prevent the potential 

spread of diseases. 

Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and 

people with weakened immune systems should contact 

their physician before purchasing and/or caring 

for an aquatic life and should consider not having an 

aquatic life as a pet. For more information regarding 

aquatic life and disease, contact the Center for 

Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/ 

and http://www.petco.com/pet_care_info/companion_animal_care_sheets. 

african dwarf frog 

Hymenochirus curtipes 

african dwarf frog facts: 

Average adult size: 

care sheet 

african dwarf frogs originated in the rivers and stream of 

central Africa. these fully aquatic amphibians never need 

to leave the water. african dwarf frogs can be kept with 

community fish. their colors can range from olive green to 

brownish green. 

1 1/4 inches long 

Average life span: Up to 5 years with proper 

care 

Diet: 

omnivore 

Minimum Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons 

Water Temperature: 72-82°F 

This care sheet can cover the needs of other species, 

see petco.com for more information. 

Note: The information on this Care Sheet 

is not a substitute for veterinary care. If 

you need additional information, please 

refer to the sources below or contact your 

veterinarian as appropriate. 

SKU 1413449 © 2011, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. 

All rights reserved. (03/2011) 

Developed with and approved 

by a qualified veterinarian.

care sheet 


Hymenochirus curtipes 

Developed with and approved 

by a qualified veterinarian. 

diet 

housing 

characteristics 

compatibility 

a well-balanced african 

dwarf frog diet consists 

of: 

• bloodworms and brine 

shrimp (live or frozen). 

• sinking fish food 

pellets. 

feeding 

things to remember 

when feeding your african 

dwarf frog: 

• feed once a day. 

• thaw frozen food 

before feeding. 

• keep in an appropriate 

size aquarium; provide 

plenty of hiding places 

and a secure lid to 

prevent jumping. 

• Stable water quality, 

water temperature, 

and pH levels are 

critical to the health 

of the invertebrate. 

If you are unsure of 

your water quality 

or pH levels, PETCO 

provides free water 

testing. 

brown, mottled rough 

looking skin. 

back feet have three 

“claws.” 

spends most of the day 

on the bottom of the 

tank, but swims to the 

surface to breathe air. 

habitat 

maintenance 

daily: check filter, water 

temperature and other 

equipment. 

weekly: check water 

quality at least once a 

week. 

monthly: change 10-25% 

of the total volume of 

water every 2-4 weeks, 

or as needed. 

introduce new inhabitants 

to the aquarium 

gradually. 

can be kept with large, 

relatively docile fish that 

will not attempt to eat 

them, such as community 

tetras or loaches. 

can be kept with other 

african dwarf frogs of 

both sexes. 

signs of a healthy 


• swims actively 

• hides often 

• eats vigorously 

• clear eyes and smooth 

skin 

• remains in the bottom 

half of the aquarium 

avoid overcrowded 

conditions; they are a 

major cause of stress 

and disease. maintain 

good water quality with 

regular water changes 

and adequate filtration. 

red flags 

• loss of appetite 

• hazy or cloudy eyes 

• does not swim away 

from capture 

• floating on the top of 

the aquarium 

common health issues 

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action 

bacterial 

infection 

cloudy eyes, open sores, and/ 

or reddening of the skin. 

fungal infection red inflammation of the 

skin, or any other abnormal 

change in skin color. 

improve water quality 

and consult your 

aquatic veterinarian 

for treatment; seek 

veterinary advice. 

quarantine frog 

immediately; seek 

veterinary advice. 

if you notice any of these signs, test water quality 

and improve as necessary.

african dwarf frog care sheet - Petco

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