Hymenochirus Boettgeri

Small fully aquatic dwarf frog, ideal for peaceful nano aquariums

Behavior and care

Hymenochirus boettgeri is a peaceful, shy and social species that should be kept in a group of at least 4–6 individuals. It spends much of its time resting on the bottom or on leaves, regularly swimming up to the surface to breathe.

• Keep in a well-covered tank (escape risk) with a clear access to the surface.
• Appreciates a layout with live plants, roots, hiding places and gentle water movement.
• Avoid strong current: use gentle filtration and direct the outflow against decor or the glass.
• Moderate lighting, with shaded areas to reduce stress.

Recommended water parameters

This species prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a stable temperature. Sudden changes should be avoided.

• Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• GH: 4 – 12 °dGH
• KH: 3 – 8 °KH
• Conductivity: 100 – 300 µS (indicative)
• Minimum volume: from 40 L for a small group

Feeding

Hymenochirus boettgeri is carnivorous and feeds mainly on animal-based foods. It hunts slowly, mostly by smell, and can easily be outcompeted by very fast fish.

• Frozen foods: artemia, daphnia, bloodworms, small insect larvae.
• Live foods: artemia, grindal worms, micro-worms… (highly appreciated).
• Special dry foods: pellets or micro-granules for amphibians / carnivores, if accepted.

Feed in small portions and make sure the frogs have enough time to eat (target feeding with tweezers or a pipette can help).

Tank mates

This dwarf frog is very peaceful but easily intimidated. It should be kept with small, calm fish or in a species-only setup.

• Suitable with: small peaceful tetras, nano rasboras, micro fish, larger dwarf shrimp.
• To avoid: large fish, aggressive or very fast species, cichlids, invertebrate-eating predators.
• Avoid large invertebrates that could injure the frogs or strongly outcompete them for food.

Care sheet – Hymenochirus boettgeri

AquaBota tips

• Use a tight-fitting lid so the frog can breathe easily but cannot escape.
• Avoid sharp substrates: choose fine sand or very smooth gravel.
• Monitor food competition with fast fish, especially at feeding time.
• A calm, planted and stable aquarium will reduce stress and support a long, healthy life.