This is a specific care sheet for African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus laevis), for more in this genus see Category:Xenopus.
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| Pet Reptile (Xenopus laevis) Care Information | |
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| Housing, Feeding and Climate of Xenopus laevis | |
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| Breeding Xenopus laevis | |
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| Recommended Pet Supplies for Xenopus laevis | |
nb. All of these can be purchased from an online pet store |
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African Clawed Frogs Habitat – Enclosure
African clawed frogs require a water depth of no less than 6 inches and no more than 12 inches. Even though this frog is an aquatic species, they breathe air and it must be made easily accessible by keeping the water height at a reasonable level.
There should be 10 gallons of water for each frog that is being housed together. This rule of thumb will help ensure that everyone has enough space.
African clawed frogs do not require a land area. They do require some enclosure decorations though.
A solid tank cover is essential with this species. If there is an opening that the frog can fit through, they will likely go exploring and possibly dry up before you locate them.
Decor
Large stone gravel can be used with this species. Small stone or gravel should be avoided to prevent accidental ingestion when foraging the tank bottom for food. A variety of varying hiding places should be created with artificial driftwood, rocks, etc. A lack of adequate hiding locations can cause stress to the frogs.
Live and artificial plants can be used with this species though they will likely be uprooted – dug up.
It is believed that constant water movement and splashing causes these frogs extreme stress. Many believe that 90% water changes should be done every 5-7 days and that a filtration system is not required.
Gentle filtration has been used by enthusiasts of clawed frogs successfully. The decision to use or avoid a filtration system is left upon the owner. For the sake of caution, frequent water changes would ultimately be the better choice.
Temperature
The tank can be kept at room temperature. They do exceptionally well in water temperatures ranging anywhere from 60° to 80° Fahrenheit. A median temperature of 70° – 72° would be ideal.
Lighting
Special lighting is not required though a 12 hour photoperiod should be provided.
Avoid direct contact with sunlight through windows.
Feeding African Clawed Frogs
African clawed frogs are scavengers that have a voracious appetite. In the wild they will eat living, dead, or dying arthropods. They also eat aquatic insect larvae, small fish, tadpoles, worms, and freshwater snails.
Captive diets are primarily made up of brine shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms, and commercial food items. Guppies can also be offered to your frogs. A varied diet will help ensure that all of your frogs nutritional requirements are being met.