African clawed frog
Xenopus laevis
A fully aquatic frog, most often sold as an albino; easy and long-lived, but a predator that eats any fish it can fit in its mouth.
Key facts
- Body length
- 5.9 in without fins
- Minimum tank
- 13 gallons
- Group
- 2+
- Temperament
- Predatory
- Care level
- 2 / 5
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Diet
- Frog pellets, frozen bloodworm, earthworms
- Origin
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Hardier than87%
- Bigger than73%
- Calmer than5%
Water: their range vs yours
African clawed frog tank mates
- Assassin snailAfrican clawed frog eats snails: Assassin snail.Risky
- Bladder snailAfrican clawed frog (predatory) will bully the peaceful Bladder snail.Risky
- Malaysian trumpet snailAfrican clawed frog (predatory) will bully the peaceful Malaysian trumpet snail.Risky
- Mystery snailAfrican clawed frog eats snails: Mystery snail.Risky
- Ramshorn snailAfrican clawed frog eats snails: Great ramshorn snail.Risky
- Colombian ramshornAfrican clawed frog eats snails: Colombian ramshorn.Risky
- Neon tetraAfrican clawed frog can eat Neon tetra: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 6.0 cm.Avoid
- Harlequin rasboraAfrican clawed frog can eat Harlequin rasbora: prey body depth 1.1 cm ≤ mouth 6.0 cm.Avoid
- Fancy guppyAfrican clawed frog can eat Fancy guppy: prey body depth 0.8 cm ≤ mouth 6.0 cm.Avoid
- Panda corydorasAfrican clawed frog can eat Panda corydoras: prey body depth 2.4 cm ≤ mouth 6.0 cm.Avoid
- OtocinclusAfrican clawed frog can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 6.0 cm.Avoid
- Cherry shrimpAfrican clawed frog can eat Cherry shrimp: prey body depth 0.8 cm ≤ mouth 6.0 cm.Avoid
How we check
The numbers the tank model uses for African clawed frogs: water as ideal and tolerated ranges, bioload from adult mass, space, flow and how they act on other species.
- Standard length
- 15 cm (SVL)
- Adult mass
- 20.25 g
- Bioload at 25 °C
- 11.82 BU
- Min. water
- 40 L net
- Group
- 2+ (best 3)
- Swims in
- bottom, middle
- Flow
- still
- Body / fins
- amphibian, normal fins
- Diet type
- carnivore
- Fin nipper
- none
- Sensitive to
- copper, nitrate
Sources: Rutgers Aquatics SOP 5.08 Xenopus husbandry · Fishkeeper: African clawed frog · Wikipedia: List of invasive alien species of Union concern
Care notes
African clawed frogs come from sub-Saharan Africa, grow to about 6 inches and can live two decades or more. Keep them in small groups of similar size.
A 10-gallon tank works for a pair, with a lid and an air gap since they jump. They uproot plants and eat fish, even ones their own size, so they need a species-only tank.
Questions
What size tank does a african clawed frog need?
At least 13 gallons (40 litres of water after decor). Adults reach about 5.9 inches without fins.
How many African clawed frogs should be kept together?
Keep at least 2, ideally 3 or more: fewer feel exposed and hide or turn nippy.
What water do African clawed frogs need?
63–75 °F, pH 6.8–7.8 and 9.8–16.8 dGH. African clawed frogs come from Sub-Saharan Africa.
How long do African clawed frogs live?
15–20 years with good care.