African Frog Aquarium Views

General Goods

These frogs have tiny black claws on their hind legs, which caused one of their discoverers, Oskar Boettger, to originally call them 'African dwarf clawed frogs'.[1] But they quickly lose these black tips in the sharp pebble environment of the average aquarium and are more commonly called 'African dwarf frogs' today.

There’s nothing visually spectacular about African Dwarf frogs. Certainly not in their body coloration. The exception is their weird floating habit when in the water called the “Zen position.” With arms and legs outstretched and one foot balancing, it’s as if these frogs are meditating on some sublime aspect of amphibious life. Or just reminiscing their previous life as a prince. Technically, this habit is called “burbling.” Whatever that means, Dwarf Frogs make for interesting addition to your amphibious pet collection at home. They spice up the variety of species one can put in any tank aquarium. As social creatures they can be tank mates to some marine animals. Here are a few notes on taking care of the African dwarf frog.

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections. In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months.

In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary analysis of this study suggests contact with frogs, including water frogs such as African Dwarf Frogs, is a likely source of the infections. In addition, environmental samples taken from aquariums containing aquatic frogs in four homes of ill persons have yielded isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium matching the outbreak strain. Preliminary traceback information has indicated these frogs likely came from the same breeder in California.