
African Clawed Frog
Xenopus laevis
Family: Pipidae • Origin: Various
African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) is a semi-aggressive other reaching 5 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 20 gallons.
Is African Clawed Frog Right for Your Tank?
African Clawed Frog is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. A 20-gallon tank minimum is standard — most community setups will accommodate them.
African Clawed Frog is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. They are territorial — provide adequate hiding spots and maintain enough space to reduce aggression. Expected lifespan: 6 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with African Clawed Frog
Putting them in a tank under 20 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. African Clawed Frog requires at least 20 gallons — ideally 30. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Housing with peaceful nano fish
African Clawed Frog is semi-aggressive and territorial — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 5"
- • Temp: 68-77°F
- • pH: 6.5-8
- • Can be kept alone
- • semi-aggressive temperament
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet for Pipidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Pipidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 68–77°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–8
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Pipidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 6 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae

Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques

Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
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