Dwarf clawed frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri)

Short answers

Dwarf clawed frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×30×30 cm aquarium.

Dwarf clawed frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–22 °C.

Dwarf clawed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential.

Dwarf clawed frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Dwarf clawed frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

Aquatic

UVB

Not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×30×30 cm aquarium

Substrate

Water 15–25 cm deep, sand, dense planting

Feeding

Food

Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

3–4 cm

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

Central Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group housing from 4–6 animals. Raise juveniles separately from adults. Not because they would be eaten — these animals are far too small for that — but because the larger ones get to the food first and the smaller ones fall behind. Provide enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat.

Notes

Fully aquatic and tiny. It is often confused with the much larger African clawed frog – never house it with fish, as the frogs cannot compete at feeding time.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Dwarf clawed frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) – Intermediate
• African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) – Beginner
• Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) – Intermediate
• Edible frog (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) – Intermediate
• Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) – Beginner
• Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) – Expert
• Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) – Intermediate
• African common toad (Sclerophrys regularis) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Dwarf clawed frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×30×30 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 15–25 cm deep, sand, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.