African Dwarf Frog Natural Habitat

African dwarf frogs are common sights in pet stores. They can be seen roaming about the bottom of fish tanks and primarily keeping to themselves, often seemingly oblivious to the fish that surround them. They're very popular with children and adults alike for their hardy nature, cleanliness and small size, as they rarely grow more than two inches in length. The African dwarf frog is also very common outside the pet shop, and in the wild, they're spread all throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

  1. Geography

    • The African dwarf frog, as its name suggests, is found throughout tropical and subtropical sub-Saharan Africa. The Congo basin contains a majority of the frog population, though they're also found in Cameroon and other river-dense areas.

    Environment

    • The African dwarf frog is almost completely aquatic, only coming to the surface to breathe. They're freshwater bottom dwellers by nature and can be found in rivers, streams, ponds and brooks.

    Habits

    • The frogs spend a majority of their time at the bottom of low-current waterways and often wedge themselves in between smooth rocks. They're an active species, but when they're not roaming about, they will hover motionlessly in the water to rest.

    Temperature

    • The temperature of the frog's natural aquatic environment can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, the temperature can drop to the high 60s or mid 70s.

    Other Inhabitants

    • The frog shares its natural habitat with hundreds of species of fish, but stays near the bottom to keep from becoming a meal. It feeds off of mosquito larvae, tiny fish or small snails that are native to its natural environment.

    Vegetation

    • Many plants can be found in the waters of the Congo where the frog makes its home, including the Anubais plant, of which there are several species. These plants have long, wide leaves that provide excellent shelter for the little frogs.