Choosing Tank Mates


I am often asked about keeping other species with these frogs, do I thought that I would post this to try and clear things up for those new to the ADF. There are many things to consider when adding to your tank, below is a simple guide to mixing other species with these frogs.


The Size of Your Tank

This is a very important factor in regards to choosing tank mates. An aquarium is like a miniature ecosystem, as we all know there has to be a proper balance within every ecosystem in order for it to function properly. If you add species to your tank that can not live in harmony with one another, the results aren't going to be very good. For example, if you house a male Betta in too small of a tank (less than 10 gallons) with ADF you will most likely have problems with your frogs being injured. If you house tiny Tetras in a small tank with your frogs, you will most likely end up with less fish, which can also affect the health of the frog. However, if you house a few (Guppies or similar fish) in a smaller tank with your frogs, you probably won't have any problems. If you have a tank-mate inquiry/idea that is not listed on this page, remember that you are more than welcome to send an email to FrogFarm@hotmail.ca.


Research & Planning 

Obviously, it is very important to know everything you can about the species you'd like to add to your aquarium so that you can make a decision based on if you think that species would do well or poorly in your tank. Aggression, predatory/territorial behavior, food competition, different water requirements - all of these are things to consider.


Gereral Consensus - The Good & Bad Choices for Tank Mates

Below I have listed some common tank mates that (I find) do well with these frogs.

Freshwater Shrimp - These make a great addition to any size ADF tank. However, they are small enough to be eaten so don't be surprised if you lose a few! This isn't a concern as it is with most small fish though as the frogs don't have such trouble digesting them.

Betta Splendens - As shown at the top of this page, the solitary Betta (more commonly known as "fighting fish") can make a great tank mates for these frogs and is one of the most common choices. However it is not recommended to house them with frogs in a tank smaller than 8-10 gallons, the longer the better. Both have the same general water requirements and enjoy well-planted tanks with a lot of hiding places. They also share the same diet, so it is recommended to do supervised feeding to make sure everyone gets some grub. I find the best way to do this is to use tweezers, or always feed the fish first at one end (he's faster) and the frogs at the other end, sinking their food to the bottom.

Swordtails, Guppies, Mollies & Platties - These live-bearing fish are colorful and easy to care for. Their requirements are suited enough to live with ADF and they're behaviours make them good tank mates. While they often nip at each other, they cannot hurt the frogs, nor are they small enough for the frogs to eat - making them a good choice to live with these frogs.

Danios, Neon Tetras, etc - Schools of fast small fish make good tank-mates as well, however slower, bottom-feeders should be avoided. Overall they pay little mind to the frogs and don't cause much food competition.

Algae Eaters/Plecos -  Most species of Algae Eaters do well with these frogs, however some species can be aggressive so it is important to look into this first. Plecos do very well with these frogs and smaller species are a very common choice in tank mates, though most bottom feeders aren't recommended as there can be food competition. However, Algae Eaters and Plecos aren't interested in the frogs' food, nor are the frogs interested in theirs.


Here are examples of some creatures that you do not want to keep with these frogs.

Other Amphibians or Reptiles - I have many people ask me about keeping other types of frogs, newts, toads, or turtles with these frogs. These are all terrible choices of tank-mates for many reasons. Many other types of frogs, along with newts and toads, secrete toxins through their skin that can kill African Dwarf Frogs. Species of frog and toad such as the ACF that don't secrete toxins often pose the threat of eating these small frogs, or have totally different requirements. Turtles will eat these frogs as well, and have very different requirements.  While there are species of amphibians that can live with these frogs, it is certainly not something for a beginner to attempt. Frogs that can possibly be kept with ACF are types of terrestrial African Reed Frogs as well as another popular species commonly known as the Asian/Indonesian Floating Frog, though I myself have never mixed different species of frogs, nor have I done much extensive research the subject.

Other Bottom Dwellers - Aside from algae-eaters, the majority of other bottom dwellers will cause food competition, and also crowding as many need to live in groups. Some species do well with these frogs but the majority are a poor choice.

Piranhas, Oscars, & Similar Fish - These are predatory fish, which makes a bad choice for obvious reasons.

Goldfish, Koi, & Similar Fish - Some of these fish, if large enough, can eat the frogs, being the first problem with them. Also, they are rough and like to root at the bottom of the tank, which could injure your frogs. They're also very pushy when it comes to food and will make it difficult to feed your frogs.  

Snails - In my opinion, these are a very poor choice for a few reasons. The first being that snails can carry things without showing it and could make your frogs sick, or even kill them. The second being that small snails can be ingested by frogs and injure or kill them. Large snails pose the threat of a frogs limb getting caught inside, as shown in this photo of Louie, a frog owned by Jenste (www.africanfrogs.weebly.com) who got lucky and was able to save her frog and have his injuries heal well.



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