Blonde African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri)

The Blonde African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) is a pale, peachy-cream color morph of one of the most charming little animals in the freshwater hobby: a fully aquatic frog that never needs land, grows to about an inch and a half, and spends its day paddling between plants, striking funny poses, and zipping to the surface for a gulp of air. Peaceful, beginner friendly, and happiest in small groups, it makes a wonderful centerpiece for a calm nano tank. Browse the rest of our freshwater cleanup crew and oddballs or the full freshwater collection to build out the tank.

Care Guide

• Tank size: 5 gallons or larger, and bigger is better for a group. Aim for a tank on the shorter side so the frogs can reach the surface easily to breathe.
• Water parameters: 72 to 78°F, pH 6.5 to 7.8. Gentle filtration is important, they are weak swimmers and dislike strong current.
• Feeding: carnivore with famously poor eyesight, it hunts by smell and touch. Drop sinking meaty foods right in front of it: frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Repashy Grub Pie gel are all favorites. Target feeding with tongs or a turkey baster works great in community tanks.
• Company: social and much bolder in pairs or trios. A small group turns shy hiders into busy little characters.
• Lid required: they are surprisingly good climbers and can squeeze through gaps around filters and cords, so keep the tank fully covered.
• No land needed: fully aquatic for life. They breathe air at the surface but rest, hunt, and sleep underwater.

Specifications

Compatibility

A gentle roommate for calm community tanks. The main rule is feeding: fast, greedy fish will vacuum up food before a slow-hunting frog finds it, so pair it with relaxed nano species and target feed. Great matches include the Ember Tetra and Clown Killifish, along with adult Neocaridina shrimp and peaceful snails like the Batman Nerite. Skip large or nippy fish, and avoid anything small enough to fit in the frog's mouth, which mostly means newborn shrimp.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• SFBB Frozen Bloodworms the staple favorite
• Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus
• Repashy Grub Pie gel food, easy to hand feed
• SFBB Mysis Shrimp Mini Cube for variety

FAQ

Is this the same as an albino African Clawed Frog?
No, and the mix-up matters. Clawed frogs (Xenopus) grow to 5 inches and will eat tank mates. Dwarf frogs stay tiny and have webbing on their front feet, while clawed frogs have separate, claw-like front fingers. Ours are true dwarf frogs.

Does it need land or a basking spot?
No. African Dwarf Frogs are aquatic their entire lives. They swim to the surface for air every few minutes, then head right back down.

Why does my frog miss the food?
Their eyesight is genuinely bad, and that is normal. Drop food directly in front of them or use feeding tongs, and give them a moment to smell it out.

Can I keep it with a betta?
Sometimes, but it is a gamble that depends on the betta's personality, and the frog usually loses the food race. A frogs-plus-nano-fish setup is the safer, happier combination.