A Very Short Disclaimer: These are not pictures of Shark Boy and Chuck Norris (our African dwarf frogs). I still need to get snapshots of my pair in action (but first I have to find my camera!).
These photos were hand-picked from Flickr, but I think you will enjoy looking through them (I know I did!). If you already own ADFs, you will probably recognize some of the behavioral traits. However, if you don't have any of these cute frogs yet, I have included short explanations under the pictures. Enjoy!
African dwarf frogs can live in community tanks, although their tank mates must be selected with care. This picture shows an ADF with a ghost shrimp. Mystery snails, guppies, and tetras are also compatible, although you should make sure to never over stock your aquarium.
African dwarf frogs are very social and will be happy in a tank with several of their own kind. If you have enough room (five gallon or larger tank), considering getting more than one so you can watch them interact.
African dwarf frogs like to hide, so be sure to provide them with many different places to seek cover. This picture shows an awesome tank with lots of hiding spots, but even just a few plants and overturned clay pots will provide resting places.
This picture shows a male and female frog in a state of amplexus, which is their version of mating. The male is on top, grabbing the female in front of her hind legs. She will lay eggs and he will fertilize them, but if you want any baby ADFs, you will have to move the eggs to a different tank, because this pair will probably eat them before any tadpoles hatch!
Although African dwarf frogs are completely aquatic, spending their entire lives in water, they do not have gills, and instead must occasionally swim to the water surface to get air. Most of the time they just dart up and dart back down, but sometimes they do like to rest at the top, with their fins spread out. The not-so-scientific name for this pose is "burbling".
Friday, May 11, 2012
Dedication
This blog is dedicated to our family's two African dwarf frogs: Chuck Norris and Shark Boy (aka Hermit). They originally came to our home as pets for my seven year old son, but it wasn't too long before the entire family fell in love with them! After all, how could we resist? They have the most adorable antics, whether they are fighting over bloodworms, zipping up and down for air, or just spacing out.
They also have their own distinct personalities. Chuck is our more active and outgoing frog. Even during the day, when he should be napping, he's out exploring the tank. Shark Boy, on the other hand, likes to hide out under his moss ball or in one of the clay pots, and that's how he earned his nickname "Hermit".
Once I get some good pictures of the pair, I will update this post! I just have to get them to pose for me...
I will talk a little bit about the boys here on this blog, but I will also be sharing advice regarding how to take care of them. They are a joy to have around, but they are not as hardy as goldfish and other aquarium pets that you may have had in the past. However, once you learn the ropes, it's not too bad - and they are definitely worth it!
They also have their own distinct personalities. Chuck is our more active and outgoing frog. Even during the day, when he should be napping, he's out exploring the tank. Shark Boy, on the other hand, likes to hide out under his moss ball or in one of the clay pots, and that's how he earned his nickname "Hermit".
Once I get some good pictures of the pair, I will update this post! I just have to get them to pose for me...
I will talk a little bit about the boys here on this blog, but I will also be sharing advice regarding how to take care of them. They are a joy to have around, but they are not as hardy as goldfish and other aquarium pets that you may have had in the past. However, once you learn the ropes, it's not too bad - and they are definitely worth it!
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