Can African Clawed Frogs be kept with fish?

Cohabitation is possible if the size difference isn't too large, but small fish that fit in its mouth may be eaten. Choosing similarly sized, calm tankmates is the safer approach.

Does it need a dry land area?

No, since it is fully aquatic, a land area is not needed. A tank with adequate water volume and hiding spots is enough to meet its needs.

Does the tank need a lid?

Yes. These frogs can jump well, and any gap could let them escape, so a secure, gap-free lid is recommended.

Is this frog suitable for beginners?

It is generally considered beginner-friendly and, thanks to its hardy nature, relatively easy to keep. That said, basic water quality management is still necessary, as with any aquatic pet.

Is the African Clawed Frog subject to CITES?

No, this species is not subject to CITES.

African Clawed Frog

The African Clawed Frog is a fully aquatic frog native to southern Africa, belonging to the Pipidae family. It has no tongue or teeth, and the black claws on three toes of its hind feet give the species its name. Because it is completely adapted to life underwater, it never needs to leave the water, making it well suited to aquarium life. Considered beginner-friendly, this hardy frog has long been used as a laboratory animal thanks to its resilience. Watching it forage with its dexterous front limbs or glide through the water offers a very different kind of charm from typical aquarium fish.

View African Clawed Frog encyclopedia →

Find African Clawed Frog breeders(0)

Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only

6 Transparency Promises from Br-Choku

Every Reptiles & Amphibians from verified Breeder breeders includes complete information: morph, genetics, feeding requirements, and temperament details.

Morph Information
Actual Photos
Feeding Information
Temperament Information
Genetics Information
Age (Months)

All species Leopard Gecko Iranian Fat-Tailed Gecko West Indian Leopard Gecko Cat Gecko Central American Banded Gecko East Indian Leopard Gecko Crested Gecko New Caledonian Giant Gecko Sarasin's Giant Gecko Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua)Ball Python Pied Ball Python

Browse all 280 breeds

Filter

Price

Region

Has show resultsChampion titles

Attributes

WYSIWYG (Actual photo)

0 items

Sort by

Verified breeders wanted for Reptiles & Amphibians

Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.

Find breeders Browse the Reptiles & Amphibians encyclopedia

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Dogs Cats Marine Fish Coral Tropical Fish Goldfish Medaka Small Pets Birds Insects Exotic Invertebrates

Verified breeders (preview)

阿

阿比留健太 Breeder

福岡県

金

金澤孝一 Breeder

宮崎県

湯

湯田雅暉 Breeder

福島県

Are you raising reptiles & amphibians?

Apply as a breeder

About African Clawed Frog

An overview of the African Clawed Frog, a fully aquatic, beginner-friendly species native to southern Africa known for its hardy nature and unique toothless, tongueless body.

7 things to know before welcoming a African Clawed Frog

1Fully Aquatic, Never on Land
African Clawed Frogs spend their entire lives underwater and have almost no ability to move on land. Because of this, their entire habitat can be a single aquarium, with no need for a dry basking area that many other frogs require.
2No Tongue or Teeth
This species lacks both a tongue and teeth, so it opens its mouth wide and uses its front limbs to stuff food into its mouth. The behavior looks comical but is simply its natural way of feeding.
3Claws Give It Its Name
The black claws on three toes of its hind feet are the origin of the name "clawed frog." These claws are thought to help it tear apart prey and gain traction underwater.
4Calm but Not Cuddly
Its temperament is generally calm and quiet, and it rarely causes problems when kept with other fish. That said, it is not a species that bonds with people — it's better enjoyed as a quiet presence to watch in the water.
5Hardy, but Water Quality Matters
While known for being hardy and easy to keep, water quality still needs attention. Regular water changes and proper filter maintenance help prevent ammonia and nitrite buildup that could affect its health.
6Choose Tankmates Carefully
Small fish or fry that fit in its mouth may be preyed upon, so tankmate size matters. Choosing similarly sized, calm-natured fish helps keep the tank peaceful.
7Prep the Tank Before Arrival
Before bringing one home, prepare a securely lidded tank with ample water volume and hiding spots. These frogs can jump surprisingly well, so sealing any gaps in the lid is essential to prevent escapes.

Frequently asked questions about African Clawed Frog

Q.Can African Clawed Frogs be kept with fish?: A.Cohabitation is possible if the size difference isn't too large, but small fish that fit in its mouth may be eaten. Choosing similarly sized, calm tankmates is the safer approach.
Q.Does it need a dry land area?: A.No, since it is fully aquatic, a land area is not needed. A tank with adequate water volume and hiding spots is enough to meet its needs.
Q.Does the tank need a lid?: A.Yes. These frogs can jump well, and any gap could let them escape, so a secure, gap-free lid is recommended.
Q.Is this frog suitable for beginners?: A.It is generally considered beginner-friendly and, thanks to its hardy nature, relatively easy to keep. That said, basic water quality management is still necessary, as with any aquatic pet.
Q.Is the African Clawed Frog subject to CITES?: A.No, this species is not subject to CITES.