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African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

BeginnerFamily Pipidae

A big, hardy, fully-aquatic frog — often confused with the much smaller dwarf frog.

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⚠️ Before anything else: Invasive if released and banned in some regions — check local law before buying.

✅ We have a full, fact-checked care sheet for the African Clawed Frog.

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📋 At a glance

Tank
Fully aquatic 10 gal+ (1), 20 gal better; secure lid
Temp
65–75°F (tolerates a wide range)
Water
Dechlorinated, gently filtered · 10–20% weekly change
Food
Sinking pellets, worms, frozen foods — target-fed
Lifespan
10–15+ years (some 20+)

✅ Almost bomb-proof and long-lived — one of the hardiest aquatic pets there is.

🛒 Before you buy

  • A cycled, filtered aquarium with a TIGHT lid (they push out)
  • The knowledge it reaches 4–5 in and is predatory (no small tankmates)
  • Dechlorinator and gentle filtration
  • To CHECK LOCAL LAW — banned in some regions, and NEVER release it

A healthy one: Plump and active · clear eyes on TOP of the head · clawed hind feet · not skeletal or bloated.

🚨 See a vet / act now if…

  • Bloating or "dropsy" (a pinecone, puffed-up look)
  • Red legs or skin (bacterial — a water-quality alarm)
  • Not eating, or wasting away
  • Cottony white fungus patches

⛔ Never

  • Housing it with African DWARF frogs or fish it can eat
  • EVER releasing it (highly invasive)
  • An unfiltered, uncycled tank

Common african clawed frog questions

How hard are African Clawed Frogs to keep — are they good for beginners?

Beginner. Hardy and fully aquatic — but big, predatory, and invasive if it ever escapes.

What do African Clawed Frogs eat?

Sinking pellets, worms, frozen foods — target-fed

What size tank do African Clawed Frogs need?

Fully aquatic 10 gal+ (1), 20 gal better; secure lid

What temperature do African Clawed Frogs need?

65–75°F (tolerates a wide range)

What water setup do African Clawed Frogs need?

Dechlorinated, gently filtered · 10–20% weekly change

How long do African Clawed Frogs live?

10–15+ years (some 20+)

What are the signs African Clawed Frogs are sick?

See an exotics vet if you notice: Bloating or "dropsy" (a pinecone, puffed-up look); Red legs or skin (bacterial — a water-quality alarm); Not eating, or wasting away; Cottony white fungus patches.

Free tools for the african clawed frog

Calm, honest help — each one knows when to say "see a vet."

Symptom checkerTriage a worrying sign and know when to see a vet.Aquatic setup plannerTank, water, filtration & drowning-prevention.Water interpreterMake sense of your water-test numbers.Common questionsReal questions keepers ask — answered straight.

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