Dwarf Frogs

[Bredmaker]

Could I add a dwarf frog in with a crowntail betta and other community fish?

Thanks

 

[Athena]

Hi - It depends on what size tank you have and what your stock levels are. If you let us know we can let you know for definite.

Also, you would need to make sure they are definitely African Dwarf Frogs and not African Clawed Frogs (which grow much larger). Another thing to bear in mind is that ADFs should really be kept in groups. A single ADF will get quite lonely. Minimum of 3 but go for more if you have a large enough tank. I had 4 but lost two in the last year and my LFS just doesn't seem to be stocking them whenever I go in there but I'm hoping to build the group back up again as soon as they are stocking them again.

If you have any cichlids in the tank, I would avoid having ADFs.

ADFs also need a tank with a lower water level - a tank of, say, 18" height, would be a bit too high for them and they would struggle to reach the top easily to breathe air and the continual struggle to swim up to the top could put a lot of strain on them and cause stress (and maybe death). I found that a water level not exceeding 12" was best for my frogs - when they were younger I lowered it to 10" until they built up muscle strength to swim better.

If you are putting them into a community tank you will need to find a way of feeding them directly (either with a turkey baster or tweezers, or pouring their food in directly above them (mixed with a little tank water first)) otherwise they won't get any food. They are not very quick at grabbing food so any that you put into the tank is likely to be snatched by your fish first.

I used to feed my fish and whilst they were busy chasing the flakes around, I would feed the frogs in their corner. They soon learned to follow my little taps on the glass (very gently!) and would scramble along to the corner where I would pour their food in above them (mixing it with a little tank water beforehand helps it to sink quickly).

As they got older they soon learned that by swimming up and sitting behind the filter unit they could also pinch some of the fish food as it swirled around on the water surface - and whilst they are up there I use tweezers to hand feed them bloodworms or whatever at the time.

As for having the betta in the community tank...well I would say they are better off being housed in their own tank. A single female betta fares better in a community tank than a male. Occasionally you come across a male betta living happily alongside other tankmates - but the sob stories outweigh the successes, I'm afraid.

Regards, Athena