African Dwarf Frog And Betta Fish – Can They Live Together?
Aaron Boyd
Bettas are well known for their aggressive personalities, which make them difficult to get along with. As a result, it isn’t always easy finding a tank mate for your Betta fish.
Of course, there are some fish you can put in with bettas. Still, options can be limited. You don’t want fish that are too bright, shiny, or similarly aggressive.
Even if your other fish does meet the criteria, there is a chance that they could be attacked. Really, you don’t want to risk your pets. There are other options for Betta tanks.
You don’t have to find another fish to make your tank pop.
If you are looking for an amicable and fun tank mate for your betta fish, why not try an African Dwarf Frog?
Table of Contents
A Good Match For Your Betta
It might seem like an odd pairing. But an African Dwarf Frog and Betta fish can be the perfect duo in your aquarium! These pets are more compatible than you would think. They look completely different of course.
Frogs are four-legged creatures that breathe air, while bettas have fins and look fancier. However, their differences make them a good match. There is still a slight chance they could fight, but this is highly unlikely.
As long as your betta is introduced to its frog friend early on you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
In any case, you’ll want to know plenty about both species if you plan on putting them in the same space.
This post will go over the basics of both the African Dwarf Frog and Betta. This way you are prepared for their cohabitation.
Other tips and care advice will be discussed so your frog and fish can live happily together!
What To Know About The African Dwarf Frog
Most people who have kept fish are familiar with Betta. They are some of the most popular pets to house in tanks. But not every tank owner will have heard of African Dwarf Frogs.
Dwarf frogs come from the African continent and are available in four variations. You won’t have to worry about which species to get. There are no distinct differences between the varieties of Dwarf frogs.
They only differ in what area of Africa they come from.
Typically, Dwarf Frogs are small. They are around the same size as your betta, but sometimes these frogs can be an inch bigger. They can live fully in the water, and have a unique look. But don’t confuse these frogs with another similar breed.
There is a much bigger and vicious breed of frog called African Clawed. You don’t want to put those frogs in with betta!
Ensure that you have the African Dwarf, and all should be fine. You can even keep your frog for up to five years. This frog lives a few years longer than betta if well taken care of.
African Dwarf Frog Look And Behavior
Video: “African Dwarf Frog Care, Advice And Information”
Dwarf frogs don’t have the same variety in looks as betta. While Betta are known for their colors and visuals, these frogs are a little more muted.
Dwarf Frogs are by no means ugly though!
Some of them even have some color, but usually, they come in natural tones. More browns to green like an olive. And like other frogs, they are spotted everywhere, but only in black. You won’t see the usual features of a pet frog on this specimen though.
This frog lacks teeth, as well as, a tongue. This might seem odd, but they only have to suck in briefly to get their needed sustenance. Their other features are pretty typical of frogs, however.
In terms of behavior, these frogs like to take nighttime swims. They are night owls so don’t be alarmed if you see them sleeping during the day! Dwarf frogs are pretty relaxed pets. They like to swim a lot and will stay in the water most of the time.
Frogs do need some air. So they will go to the top of the tank to get a bit of oxygen. But really, your frog shouldn’t be out of the water for long. After twenty minutes they will die from lack of water.
Other habits of your frog include lounging. Frogs like the African Dwarf like to lay near the top of the water and relax.
Your frog may look like it’s dead, but it’s probably just taking a breather. If you aren’t sure though, check for signs of breathing.
And if you are lucky, you might even hear your frog sing a little! This only happens if there is another frog in the tank with your male one though.
How Will Your Pet Betta and Frog Interact
Generally, you won’t have to worry about your frog and your betta getting into a fight. The African Dwarf frog and Betta have temperaments that suit one another fairly well.
But you can never be too safe with any pets. Just watch out for your two pets in the early stages of tank introduction. How they act with each other in the beginning is a good indication of their future together.
Both pets can be aggressors, but your Dwarf frog is usually calm if not provoked by an aggressive betta. And if your pets do fight, it’s usually over mealtime. So make sure to make a routine for feeding time. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that you have two frogs in your tank.
Dwarf frogs don’t like to be alone. They have your betta, but they need a frog of their own species in the tank. This will make them less aggressive and keep them happy!
What Should You Feed Your Pets
Bettas have a pretty simple diet that won’t cost you too much. Really, just make sure they are getting all their needed nutrition with a little variety.
They can be fed pre-made fish food such as pellets and flakes. You can also add in dehydrated food for protein. Bettas like some of the same proteins as Dwarf frogs so you can get freeze-dried shrimp and worms for both pets.
African dwarf frogs have a similar diet and need a mix of plant and meat foods as well. Personally, we recommend going with some frog flakes and adding in freeze-dried food.
Some people like to do live foods, but these can be teeming with bacteria. Frozen food can work as well, but it might be less hassle just to stick with dehydrated protein.
Frogs like a variety of bugs and small critters, so you can switch up their protein source easily.
How to Coordinate Betta And African Frog Feeding Time
It’s important to schedule your feedings and plan out how you are going to feed each of your pets. Mealtime is really the only time you’ll have to worry about a fight breaking out.
As we mentioned, any other time, your frog will be relaxed. But if your betta tries to nab your frog’s food there could be some aggressive actions.
Luckily, your frog doesn’t eat as often as betta. You only have to feed them one time per day, and older frogs eat even less often. They only need to be fed every other day, once.
Betta like to eat more frequently, with around two meals a day. And since they swim swiftly there is no chance of a frog eating their food.
There is a possibility that your betta could swoop in and eat your frog’s meal though. And that is what you want to avoid at all costs.
One option is to put food on one side of the water for your fish, and the other side for your frog.
But if your fish eats fast this might not work.
Really though, the best thing you can do is use a net. Keep your fish in a net until your frog’s food reaches it near the bottom of the tank. Your betta is a lot less likely to eat food in this area of the water.
What Size Tank Is Appropriate
Small tanks are not the best option for your African Dwarf Frog and Betta. The smaller your tank is, the more aggressive your pets can get with one another. And really the less happy and healthy your pets will be.
Ten-gallon tanks are ideal for your pet duo, but you might want an even bigger gallon capacity.
Twenty gallons could create an even better home for your pets. And remember you have to buy your frog as a pair. This way they won’t be lonely. More water isn’t a bad idea when you have three pets in your aquarium.
In addition to gallon size, you want to consider the height of your tank. This isn’t for your betta necessarily, but your dwarf frog will benefit greatly from a shorter tank.
Dwarf frogs are not the best swimmers, but they like to be fully in the water. If your tank is too tall, they won’t be able to swim to get oxygen at the surface. In fact, your frog could even die if your tank is too tall. Considering this, tanks with betta and dwarf frogs should be no longer than twelve inches.
Really, you might want your tank to be shorter than this, just in case, your pet is prone to get tired easily. Around 9-10 inches is the best for dwarf frogs. But if you put an extra layer of substrate in your tank, you can actually make your tank shorter for your frog.
Be wary of tank jumpers though. Frogs and betta can hop out of your tank, so keep your tank lids on, to protect your pets. Still, even if there is a risk of jumping the shape of a shorter tank is actually better for betta and frogs.
In nature, both species live in more shallow habitats. A short tank mimics that type of environment!
Water Climate and Conditions To Consider
In addition to tank size, you want to think about water climate and condition in your aquarium. Temperature is especially important for your betta and frogs. They need to be in warm water, seventy-five degrees to eighty degrees to stay healthy.
So make sure to get a good water heater for your aquarium to keep the temperature steady. Also, you want to make sure the pH is right in your tank! Luckily betta and dwarf frogs like similar conditions, so a pH of 7 for both pets will suffice.
Lastly, you want to make sure your tank water is clean. Frogs can get slimy and your fish can excrete a lot of waste. With both these pets together, you’ll need a good water filter to keep your tank water clear.
Also, make sure to change part of the water every week or so! Follow all these steps, and your frog and fish will stay alive for a longer time!
What If Your Pets Fight
Again, your pets should be fine as long as you have a good feeding routine and schedule.
But on the off chance that your betta doesn’t like your frog, you’ll want to take some precautions.
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Have a separate tank on hand, or buy a divider to keep your pets from fighting.
The divider might be the better option though. Your fish might eventually get used to your frog and be able to live with them.
Conclusion
The African Dwarf Frog and Betta are a pair of tank pets that are very well suited to one another.
At first, they might seem like a weird combo. But with these two pets, you have a chance to house a few critters with your betta.
Betta aren’t the friendliest fish, but with a frog, this could change. So, if you’re interested in putting these pets in the same tank, you should have no issues.
Our article went over all the information you need for cohabitating frogs and betta. We discussed feeding, tank options and other care tips to keep your pets well looked after.
So hopefully, your betta and frog tank will be a success!
