How to Identify the Male and Female African Frogs

Frogs native to Africa that are most often kept as pets are either African dwarf frogs or African clawed frogs. Both types are fully aquatic. As the name suggests, dwarf frogs are much smaller, growing to 1 1/2 inches long, compared with clawed frogs, which can grow to 5 or more inches. Beyond the size difference, clawed frogs have clawed front feet, while dwarf frogs have webbed front feet. Determining sex is more difficult with African dwarf frogs due to their diminutive size. However, certain physical characteristics can help separate males from females for both African dwarf and African clawed frogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the size of the frog. In both African dwarf and clawed frogs, the females are larger than the males. With clawed frogs, the female appears fatter. In addition, dwarf females are pear-shaped.

    • 2

      Look for an extension between the hind legs of the frog. Females have this extension. In dwarf frogs, it appears like a tiny tip on the bottom, almost like a very small tail.

    • 3

      Study the frog's skin. African dwarf males have darker and rougher-looking skin than females.

    • 4

      Listen to the frogs. In both African dwarf and clawed frogs, only the males vocalize by singing or humming. This singing is usually done at night and after the frogs have reached maturity.

    • 5

      Study the frog's front legs. African clawed males have dark mating pads on the undersides of the front legs, which they use to hang on to females during mating. African dwarf males have a distinct white bump behind each front leg; this bump is a small gland which can look similiar to facial acne in humans. During breeding season, a dwarf male's inner arms appear enlarged.