Platinum African Dwarf Frog - Hymenochirus boettgeri

Platinum African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri)

The Platinum African Dwarf Frog, Hymenochirus boettgeri, is a pale captive-bred colour form of the much-loved African Dwarf Frog, showing cream-white to platinum tones and the same small, fully aquatic body shape as the standard form. Also known as the Platinum Dwarf African Frog, Congo Dwarf Clawed Frog or Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frog, this peaceful amphibian makes an unusual addition to calm tropical aquariums. It is not a fish, so it needs slightly different care: easy access to the surface, gentle tank mates, careful feeding and a secure lid.

Common Name:
Platinum African Dwarf Frog, Platinum Dwarf African Frog, African Dwarf Frog, Congo Dwarf Clawed Frog, Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frog.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hymenochirus boettgeri
Captive-bred platinum colour form.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 3–4 cm body length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The platinum form is captive-bred and does not occur as a wild population. Wild Hymenochirus boettgeri is native to Central and West-Central Africa, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It naturally inhabits forest pools, swamps, quiet rivers and still or slow-moving freshwater habitats with vegetation and cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.8
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; always use dechlorinated water and avoid sudden changes.

Temperament:
Peaceful and shy. African Dwarf Frogs are best kept with calm, non-aggressive tank mates that will not nip them, swallow them or outcompete them for food. They are sociable and can be kept in small groups, provided the aquarium has enough space and hiding places.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. Offer frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, mysis, tubifex, blackworm, small chopped earthworm and specialist sinking frog or carnivore foods. These frogs are slow, scent-led feeders, so target feeding with tongs or a pipette is often helpful. Do not rely on flakes or scraps left over from fish.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 40 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed community setups. Avoid very deep aquariums, as African Dwarf Frogs must swim to the surface to breathe air.

Behaviour & Activity:
A fully aquatic amphibian that spends most of its time resting on plants, exploring the bottom or hiding among smooth decor. It regularly rises to the surface to breathe, then sinks back down to the lower levels. Platinum African Dwarf Frogs are gentle and sometimes clumsy feeders, so they do best in quiet aquariums with soft lighting, plants, resting points and low to moderate water movement.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful small fish such as small tetras, rasboras, calm livebearers, peaceful Corydoras and snails, as long as feeding is monitored. Avoid large fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, crayfish, large loaches, predatory catfish and any tank mate that may bully, nip or eat the frog. Very tiny fish fry or newborn shrimp may be eaten.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A secure lid is essential, as African Dwarf Frogs can escape through surprisingly small gaps. Use smooth decor and avoid sharp rocks or rough ornaments that may damage their delicate skin. They are sensitive to poor water quality, chlorine, copper-based treatments and many fish medications, so use amphibian-safe care where possible. Provide gentle filtration, calm areas, hiding places and easy access to the water surface. Never mix them with African Clawed Frogs, which grow much larger and can injure or eat dwarf frogs.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate aquarists

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred colour form

All images are a visual representation of the animal you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.