Amphibians · Hymenochirus spp.
African dwarf frog tank & care
African dwarf frogs need at least a 10-gallon tank and 72–78°F water. They live 5–10 years, and a complete setup costs $128–$271.
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Adult size
- 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm)
- Smallest tank
- 10 gal
- Diet
- Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, pellets
- Handling
- Hands-off: best watched
- First year
- $199–$396
What do African dwarf frogs eat?
Carnivorous. Feed frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia plus sinking frog pellets daily or every other day, placing food near their faces with tweezers or a pipette.
Food per year: $28–$55
African dwarf frog water temperature
- Water
- 72–78°F
African Dwarf Frogs are fully aquatic tropical animals requiring water temperatures kept consistently between 72°F and 78°F using a reliable aquarium heater.
African dwarf frog tank size
20 × 10 × 12 in (1.7 × 0.8 × 1 ft), 10 gallons for an adult. Glass aquarium, horizontal layout.
Juveniles require the same shallow water depth and gentle filtration as adults to ensure easy access to the surface.
African dwarf frogs are social; keep at least two, and a 10-gallon comfortably holds 2-4 adults.
Lighting & heat
UVB: not required
Heat: submersible aquarium heater
Day length: 10–12 hours of light
Substrate
Good choices: large smooth aquarium gravel (larger than frog head); bare-bottom glass; fine soft aquarium sand.
Avoid: small swallowable gravel (impaction risk); sharp rough crushed coral or lava rock.
What an African dwarf frog needs
Everything for a complete adult setup. Essentials are ticked; untick anything you already have.
How much is an African dwarf frog?
- The African dwarf frog itselfPrices vary based on vendor type (chain pet stores vs. specialized breeders) and color morphs like blonde or leucistic.
- $4–$10
- Setup, essentials
- $128–$271
- Every year after
- $71–$125
- First year, setup plus supplies
- $199–$396
What you keep buying, per year
| Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)Frozen prey foods are the primary diet and must be replenished as supplies are used. | every 2-3 months | $20–$40 |
| Sinking frog pelletsPellets supply essential vitamins and minerals alongside frozen foods. | every 6 months | $8–$15 |
| Tap water conditionerDechlorinator neutralizes toxic chlorine and chloramines during weekly water changes. | every 6-12 months | $10–$20 |
| Sponge filter replacements or extra mediaFilter sponges degrade over time and eventually need partial replacement to maintain biological filtration. | every 6-12 months | $8–$15 |
| Water testing liquid reagentsTesting kit chemical reagents expire or run out and need replacement to ensure accurate water safety monitoring. | every 12 months | $25–$35 |
Typical US prices. Vet care isn't included: budget for a check-up with an exotics vet after your pet comes home, and keep an emergency fund.
Are African dwarf frogs good pets?
Yes, and a good first pet.
African dwarf frogs live 5–10 years, need about 5–10 minutes of care a day and cost $71–$125 a year in supplies. They are animals to watch, not hold.
- Handling
- Hands-off: best watched
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Daily care
- 5–10 min
- Lives
- 5–10 years
- Before you buy
- African dwarf frogs are legal in most of the US. Don't confuse them with African clawed frogs, which California and several other states ban or require permits for.
Before your African dwarf frog comes home
- 01
4-6 weeks before
Fishless cycle the aquarium
Establishing beneficial nitrifying bacteria in the filter is essential to prevent deadly ammonia and nitrite spikes before adding frogs.
- 02
1 week before
Install heater and thermometer to monitor water temperature
Running the heater without animals present lets you confirm the water holds steady between 72°F and 78°F.
- 03
48 hours before
Verify water chemistry with test kit
Confirming ammonia and nitrites are zero and nitrates are low ensures the water is non-toxic before introduction.
- 04
Day one
Acclimate and release the frog into the aquarium
Floating the transport bag minimizes temperature shock before gently releasing the frog into its new home.
- 05
First two weeks
Target feed near the face and observe closely
African Dwarf Frogs have poor eyesight, so using tweezers or a pipette helps ensure they eat while adjusting without stress.
- 06
Within first month
Establish baseline checkup with an exotics vet
An initial vet examination verifies general health and establishes a professional care relationship for future emergencies.
Common setup mistakes
- Confusing African Dwarf Frogs with African Clawed Frogs, which grow huge and eat tank mates.
- Using small gravel substrate that frogs accidentally swallow during feeding, leading to fatal impaction.
- Installing power filters with high currents that exhaust weak-swimming frogs.
- Using tall, deep tanks that make paddling up to the surface for air difficult.
- Handling frogs out of water, causing extreme stress, skin damage, and rapid dehydration.
Questions people ask
What tank size do African Dwarf Frogs need?
A group of 2 to 4 African Dwarf Frogs needs a minimum 10-gallon horizontal aquarium with low depth for easy surface breathing.
Do African Dwarf Frogs need a water heater?
Yes, African Dwarf Frogs are tropical amphibians that require a submersible heater to keep water temperatures stable between 72°F and 78°F.
What do I need to set up an African Dwarf Frog tank?
You need a 10-gallon glass tank with a lid, sponge filter, heater, water conditioner, liquid water test kit, large smooth gravel, and soft resting plants.
How much does an African Dwarf Frog setup cost?
A complete starter setup including tank, lid, heater, sponge filter, decor, test kit and water treatment typically costs between $130 and $270.
Sources
The numbers on this page come from these care sheets and references, checked October 2026. How we make these guides.