FishChecker

The African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) is a fascinating and entirely aquatic amphibian native to sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike many frogs, it spends its entire life submerged, making it a unique inhabitant for a dedicated aquarium setup. These frogs are easily recognizable by their flattened, streamlined bodies, small, upward-facing eyes, and the distinctive three 'claws' on each of their hind feet, which they use to tear food apart. They come in various color morphs, including wild-type olive-green, albino, and leucistic (white). African Clawed Frogs are highly predatory and possess an excellent sense of smell, allowing them to locate food in murky water. They are known for their robust appetites and will readily consume anything that fits into their mouths, including smaller fish, insects, and commercial frog pellets. Due to their voracious nature and strong swimming abilities, they require a spacious aquarium, ideally 20 gallons or more for a single frog, with excellent filtration, as they can be messy eaters. Secure lids are essential, as they are surprisingly adept at escaping. While generally peaceful towards larger tank mates, they are opportunistic feeders and should not be housed with fish small enough to be considered a meal. They are a long-lived species, often reaching 15-20 years with proper care, making them a significant commitment. Their unique behaviors, such as using their front limbs to 'shovel' food into their mouths and their characteristic 'singing' (a series of clicks) by males, make them an intriguing and engaging pet for the right aquarist.

Highly predatory, species-only tank.