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.
Frogs are great for controlling your fry population and bottom scavengers. Add African Dwarf Frogs to your tank if you have too many fry-guppies. They will eat guppy fries to reduce the number. But, if you aren’t using them to control a guppy population, these frogs can be more difficult to feed.
African Dwarf Frogs can be finicky eaters. We have put together a mini guide on how to keep your aquatic friends in good shape and full bellies. We will be discussing some of the feeding characteristics and tips for African Dwarf Frogs in this article.
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. One problem that aquarium owners face with African Dwarf Frogs is that their food source needs to be able to stay in the water for a longer period of time without disintegrating. The dwarf frogs may be reluctant to eat and return to the water source for another bite later on.
The best food options for African Dwarf Frogs are to feed them either frozen bloodworms or live black worms. Frozen bloodworms are the more commonly known food source but are an excellent choice when it comes to feeding your aquatic critters. Frozen worms will not break down in a short amount of time, so your frogs have plenty of time to enjoy them. You can use freeze dried bloodworms as an alternative but the issue with dried bloodworms is that they tend to float on the surface whereas frozen bloodworms drop to the bottom as they defrost. Live black worms are a better option if you don’t want food to be provided every day.
While blackworms may not be the most common food choice for African Dwarf Frogs they have their own unique set of benefits. You can usually purchase a portion of black worms from your local fish store. Because they are living, these worms can be buried in the gravel of your tank to provide a long-lasting food source. These worms can be kept inside the tank as they are able to provide food for 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. High levels of protein make blackworms a good food choice for frogs. 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. Frogs will be happier if they are fed high-quality food. 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 aquarium must be smaller than the space available for waste dispersal. A larger concentration of waste will result in less healthy animals and more cleaning. Your animals will live happier, healthier lives if they have a bigger tank.
Food pellets are a food source that should be avoided. As mentioned, the African Dwarf Frogs are slow eaters and pellets dissolve in water rapidly. Frogs will take less time to enjoy their food before the pellet becomes too disintegrated. Also, pellets that are disintegrated can cause more waste to your tank. If you choose to feed your African Dwarf Frogs pellets it is best to place them in a small dish inside the tank. If the pellets are not disintegrated, they will be less likely to spread throughout the tank or get stuck in the gravel.
African Dwarf Frog Behavior
It is important to note that African Dwarf Frogs are known for their common behavior. This often causes owners concern. People will often express concern for their frogs if they are seen hugging and not moving for more than a day. This behavior is normal for frogs, and it indicates they are mating. The female African Dwarf Frogs tend to be larger than the males. If you see a smaller frog hugging a larger frog, there is no need to panic. Frogs simply do what nature commands.
If you are looking to help raise a few tadpoles, you should be sure you have the space to do so. 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 make a great addition for your aquarium. If you are sure to feed them correctly, in no time you could have thriving and happy frogs living in your aquarium.
