Platinum African Dwarf Frog Hymenochirus Boettgeri 3cm

Overview

The Platinum African Dwarf Frog is a leucistic, pale golden-white form of a small, fully aquatic frog from the Congo Basin of Central Africa. It spends its whole life underwater, rising now and then to gulp air, and its drifting, floating and slow-motion paddling have a charm few fish can match. It suits calm, mature community tanks with small, gentle companions.

• Adult Size: Around 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in); occasionally up to 7 cm (3 in)
• Lifespan: Around 5 years; sometimes considerably longer

Origin

• Native to: Congo Basin: Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo
• Habitat: Still, shaded shallows, ponds and slow forest streams

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Bloodworm, blackworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, sinking frog pellets
• Feeding Habits: Every other day for adults; target-feed with a pipette

Tank Mates

• Best with: Own kind in groups, small tetras, Corydoras, shrimp, snails
• Avoid: Bettas, large or boisterous fish, fin nippers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and gentle
• Territoriality: None; happiest in groups of three or more

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Poor eyesight; slow feeders easily outcompeted by fish

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• Flow: Slow; gentle filter output
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 litres for a group of three; long and shallow beats tall

Final Notes

Keep water depth modest, no more than about 40 cm, so the frogs reach the surface easily, and fit a tight lid as they can climb out. Use sand rather than gravel, which can be swallowed. Never handle them; their skin dries quickly. Quarantine new arrivals and avoid copper-based medications. Kept as a small group with gentle tank mates, they are endlessly entertaining.