Hymenochirus boettgeri
The dwarf frog is a small, peaceful frog that is increasingly common in aquariums. Hymenochirus boettgeri is a true aquatic frog that can spend its entire life practically never crawling out onto land. There are 4 different species in this family of frogs. But they have similar behavior and requirements for keeping, so we will give a general description that is fair for all of them.
In nature, these tiny amphibians live in the water bodies of Zaire, Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria. They are usually found in the shaded lowlands of slow-flowing rivers and swamps. Hymenochirus boettgeri live permanently in water and do not come to land. However, they rise to the surface of the water to breathe fresh air. Frogs can not stay without water for longer than 10-15 minutes, after this time they become dehydrated and die.
Hymenochirus boettgeri are small in size, about 3.5-4 cm. They reach their sexual maturity by one year of age. These dwarf frogs have an elongated body, slender limbs, and a pointed snout with nostrils. The coloration is dark gray or gray-brown. There are a few black spots scattered throughout the body.
For keeping one pair of Hymenochirus boettgeri, an aquarium of 25 liters or more is suitable. Gravel can be used as a substrate, but it should be rounded and large enough so that the African dwarf frog does not swallow it with food. Coarse river sand and stones 3-5 mm in diameter can also be used. The aquarium should be covered with a lid or cover glass.
Hymenochirus boettgeri lead an active lifestyle, swimming tirelessly throughout the aquarium. Sometimes they like to rest on the broad leaves of floating plants. In the aquarium, plants with large leaves and a strong root system should be planted. Additionally, the roots should be protected with large stones, as frogs like to dig in the soil.
African dwarf frog gets along well with fish of similar size. Given their slow temperament and small size, they can feed on small fish and juveniles. It is an omnivorous predator, although small.
Water parameters: temperature 22-26°C, hardness dH 6-15 °, acidity pH 6,0-7,8. Like all amphibians, this frog is cold-blooded, so its metabolism does not depend on external temperature. At lower temperatures, African dwarf frogs are susceptible to various diseases. It is desirable to create a small water current in the aquarium. Aeration is necessary. Since in nature Hymenochirus boettgeri inhabit swampy areas, frequent water changes in the aquarium is not required.
You should also keep in mind that due to their soft and spongy skin, these frogs are very sensitive to various chemicals. For the same reason, it is not recommended to pick them up. Every few weeks, as they grow, African dwarf frogs molt, after which they eat their skin, if it is not removed from the aquarium in time.
Feed on dwarf frogs daphnia, trumpet fish, etc. You can give them moths, but not more than 1-2 times a week, as it has little protein and it does not contain many vital and essential amino acids. Frogs have no teeth or tongue, so they need food that is small enough to be eaten immediately or that they can grind with a grinding motion. Feed is given twice a week.
Reproduction
Breeding Hymenochirus boettgeri has no fundamental differences from the breeding process of most aquarium fish. The process is stimulated by increasing the water temperature to 26-28 ° C, increasing the level of light, as well as renewing part of the water in the aquarium.
The water level in the spawning tank should not be lower than 20 cm, which is due to mating behavior. The pair swims in vertical circles in the water.
The eggs have a jelly-like shell and float on the surface of the water. The frog usually lays about 50-200 eggs (up to 500). After the end of spawning, it is better to remove the pair from the spawning tank.
After 1-2 days, black larvae about 3 mm long hatch from the eggs. For several days, they hang on the leaves of plants and walls of the aquarium or float in the surface layer of water.
Once the larvae begin to swim, they begin to be fed. There are no differences in feeding larvae compared to juvenile aquarium fish. Their starter food is infusoria.
The life expectancy of Hymenochirus boettgeri is about 5 years.
