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Are you a proud owner of African Dwarf Frogs or are you considering adding them to your aquarium? These fascinating, tiny aquatic creatures are not only adorable but surprisingly easy to care for. A thriving community tank with compatible tank mates adds beauty and intrigue to your underwater world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 21 African Dwarf Frog tank mates, along with essential information on how to keep these fish.
Key Takeaways
- African Dwarf Frogs are small, peaceful, and hardy animals that need proper tank setup & diet of mainly meaty foods.
- Choose tank mates with similar size & provide enough space in tanks of 10+ gallons for them to swim/explore.
- Aim for a harmonious ecosystem by avoiding aggressive fish. Select from our list of 21 compatible species!
Species Overview
African Dwarf Frogs, native to African rivers and streams1, are small amphibians that can grow up to 1.8 inches. These hardy animals have adapted well to different water conditions and typically consume meat-based food (e.g. – brine shrimp, bloodworms), but will also eat high protein fish pellets or flakes as snacks. To ensure the health of your frogs, it is necessary for you to set up an aquarium with compatible tank mates, properly filtered water temperature settings, along with other beneficial factors which would help dwarf frogs thrive in their environment. Caring for them should be straightforward since these peaceful creatures aren’t choosy about what they munch on!
Size And Space Requirements
When looking for the right tank mates for African Dwarf Frogs, it is important to select animals of a similar size. This ensures compatibility and minimizes any threats between them. A 10-gallon aquarium should be sufficient if just two frogs are sharing the space. When adding other aquatic creatures like fish or additional dwarf frogs – then at least a 20-gallon tank would provide enough room without overcrowding your aquatic animals. When picking companions for these small amphibians, avoid anything that could pose as a predator, such as any fish that could fit them in their mouths.
Water Conditions And Environment
When housing African Dwarf Frogs, they must have warm filtered water with ideal temperatures between 72°F and 82°F. There should also be aquatic plants for places to hide, as well as low-level lighting in the tank so these frogs feel secure. When picking out any other creatures to live in this habitat, such as Nerite Snails or Mystery Snails, you need to make sure that their environment is suitable for them, too.
The 21 Top African Dwarf Frog Tank Mates
We now know enough about African Dwarf Frogs to start filling our tanks with compatible companions! To that end, let us discuss the list of 21 potential tank mates: think small and colorful fish alongside other aquatic critters. All share similar characteristics such as maintenance needs, eating habits, and personalities — perfect for a harmonious cohabitation in one aquarium! Ready to get started on your special African dwarf frog setup? I’ve included the following states for each candidate:
- Scientific Name
- Adult Size
- Water Temperature Range
- Minimum tank size
- Care Level
- Diet
- Origin
- Swimming Level
1. Betta Fish
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Betta Fish are one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish available in the hobby. Easy to care for with plenty of varieties!
- Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
- Adult Size: 3 inches, usually
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 80°F
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Carnivore
- Origin – Thailand
- Swimming Level – Top to middle
We start off the list with everyone’s favorite. While looking at color patterns and personalities, you may think they are one of the best tank mates for your fish, but that is not always the case. Males are at a higher risk of fighting, with Plakat breeds being the most risky. While it is possible to use them together, they are one of the riskiest on this list. However, they are extremely popular so I felt it was good to include them on the list. You will have your best luck with a female non plakat breed.
2. Corydoras Catfish
- Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
- Adult Size: 2 to 3 inches, usually
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 79°F (22 to 26°C)
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Bottom
Corydoras Catfish are good companions for African Dwarf Frogs, since they both demand similar levels of care and usually measure around the same size. These catfish have slender figures that come in either black or brown colors with a maximum length up to 2.5 inches. Their playful attitude makes them excellent tank mates for dwarf frogs.
It is essential to provide plenty of places where they can hide away when needed – these fish enjoy taking refuge by burrowing into the substrate as well as finding snug spots elsewhere in their habitat.
3. Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loaches are hardy bottom-dwelling fish. Nocturnal in nature. Gets along with many fish and tolerate of coldwater environments
- Scientific Name: Pangio Kuhlii
- Adult Size: 4 – 5 inches
- Water Temperature: 73 to 86° F
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level – Bottom
African Dwarf Frogs can benefit from having a Kuhli Loach as a tankmate. These fish have an eel-like appearance with their slender body and black stripe, growing up to 5 inches in size. They are peaceful creatures that prefer living in groups, which makes them great for community tanks. They are more active at night. They will hide among the plants or burrow deep down into substrate bedding during the day.
4. Neon Tetras
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One of the most popular freshwater community schooling fish available in the aquarium trade. Great neon blue colors!
- Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches
- Water Temperature: 70 ° to 79 °F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Top to Middle
The Neon Tetra is a small, eye-catching fish that can be kept in harmony with African Dwarf Frogs within the same tank. These species are renowned for their vibrant red and blue stripes, which bring vividness to any aquarium setup. In order to get the most out of these delightful creatures, it’s recommended they should always travel in packs of six or more – this makes them schooling fish naturally gravitating towards each other’s company.
In terms of temperature preferences and pH needs, these little beauties require 70°F – 81°F water temperature range along with 6.0–7.0 on your pH scale. Being similar requirements between african dwarf frogs and neon tetras means coexistence together has proved easy, making for a great dwarf frog tank mate.
5. Cardinal Tetra
A very popular schooling fish. Looks like the Neon Tetra, but with longer blue and red stripes. Grows larger than a neon tetra as well
- Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches
- Water Temperature: 73°F to 81°F
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Mid to Top
Cardinal Tetras make for a cheerful addition to any community tank. These small, peaceful fish have striking coloration with red stripes that run along their bodies and are contrasted by vibrant blue streaks above them. Cardinal Tetras do best in temperatures between 73°F and 81°F. They are social creatures, too, so it is recommended to keep at least six of the same species together in one aquarium if you want an active atmosphere. African dwarfs frogs can be kept successfully alongside these schooling fish since they share similar needs, such as neutral to acidic pH levels ranging from 6.0-7.0.
6. Rummy Nose Tetra
An easy to care for Tetra fish that loves to school. Very peaceful fish that are great for beginners
- Scientific Name: Hemigrammus bleheri
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 85°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Mid to Top
The Rummy Nose Tetra is a great fit for African Dwarf Frog tanks due to their peaceful demeanor and similar care requirements. These fish are distinctive thanks to the striking black and white stripes that form on its tail, as well as its bright red nose. When kept in schools with at least six members, these creatures will thrive within an environment that maintains temperatures between 75°F-85°F paired alongside a pH range 6.4-7.0., making them perfectly suitable tank mates for African Dwarfs! Their interesting colors add something special to any frog tank setup while taking little effort from you—an ideal companion species all around!
7. Cherry Barb
A popular freshwater fish from the barb family. One of the most peaceful barb fish
- Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Water Temperature: 73°F to 81°F
- Minimum tank size: 25 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Sri Lanka
- Swimming Level – All
Cherry Barbs are schooling fish that can coexist peacefully with African Dwarf Frogs. This species has a striking red coloring and is considered docile, making it an ideal tankmate for your dwarf frogs. When it comes to temperature range and pH level, they should have water between 73°F to 81°F and 6.0-7.0, respectively. The more colorful creatures there are in the group (at least six), the better! All things considered, the Cherry Barb, with their captivating features, plus their peaceful nature make them great companion animals for African Dwarves.
8. White Cloud Minnow
A very peaceful fish that does well in coldwater fish. Other minnow varieties are also available
- Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
- Adult Size: 1 inch
- Water Temperature: 64°F to 72°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – China
- Swimming Level – Mid to Top
White Cloud Minnows are a hardy species that can live in harmony with African Dwarf Frogs when kept together in the same tank. This small fish has an elegant silver body, decorated by a thin black line and radiant red fins. For them to thrive optimally, water temperature should be between 64°F and 72°F while pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 8.0 is recommended for optimal health of these aquatic dwellers.
Given their schooling nature, at least six individuals must coexist simultaneously so they can feel relaxed around each other. Thanks also to its peaceful disposition, it will get along with your drawf frog just fine.
9. Celestial Pearl Danio
A great-looking danio fish. Males are more colorful than females. A midway dwelling fish
- Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus
- Adult Size: 1 inch
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 76°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South East Asia
- Swimming Level – Midwater
The Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as Galaxy Rasbora, is an attractive fish that can peacefully coexist with African Dwarf Frogs if given the right care. They have a blue body speckled with white spots resembling stars and require a temperature of 72°F to 76°F along with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 for ideal living conditions. These should be kept in groups at least six since they are schooling fish. It is a wonderful, colorful fish that compliments the African dwarf frog well.
10. Harlequin Rasbora
A peaceful schooling fish. An ideal community fish. A great beginner fish
- Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Water Temperature: 71°F to 80°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South East Asia
- Swimming Level – Midwater
Harlequin Rasboras are schooling fish with silver bodies featuring a distinct triangular black patch. It is suggested to keep them in groups of six or more and they prefer water temperatures between 71°F – 80°F plus pH ranges from 6.0-7.0, making them an ideal addition to any African dwarf frog tank. Their peaceful nature makes it possible for the community tank setup as well! With its unique coloring, these vibrant creatures will make quite the splash in your frog tank habitat.
11. Dwarf Rainbowfish (Praecox)
A colorful rainbowfish that only grows up to 3 inches in length. Best in groups of 8 to 10
- Scientific Name: Melanotaenia praecox
- Adult Size: 2.5 to 3 inches
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Indonesia
- Swimming Level – Top to Mid
For a vibrant and compatible tankmate for your African Dwarf Frogs, the Dwarf Rainbowfish is an ideal choice. This colorful fish species can live harmoniously in well-planted tanks with its non-aggressive nature. These rainbowfish have bright blue bodies that are set off by orange or red fins. They shimmer like rainbows! To keep this species happy, you should provide water temperatures between 72°F – 82°F and maintain pH levels at 7.0 to 8.0. They need to in a group of at least six, which will pump up the tank requirements higher to at least 20 gallons to house them and frogs.
12. Chili Rasbora
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A great nano schooling fish. Males display brighter colors. Best in groups of 6 or more
- Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
- Adult Size: 1 inch
- Water Temperature: 70°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Carnivorous
- Origin – Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level – Midwater
Chili Rasboras are tiny, peaceful fish with a bright red body featuring a black stripe down the side. The ideal environment for them is water between 70°F and 82°F. Recommended pH levels are from 6.0 to 7.0, though they have been known to tolerate lower pH levels. They and should be kept in groups of at least six so they exhibit their schooling behavior. They are peaceful fish that shouldn’t have issues with african dwarf frog and most other fish.
13. Otocinclus
A small algae-eating fish. Also great with freshwater shrimp.
- Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp.
- Adult Size: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Water Temperature: 74°F to 79°F
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Herbivore
- Origin – Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level – Bottom to Middle
Otocinclus, a small and non-aggressive catfish species that can range from black to brown coloration with an average size of 2 inches in length. They are a great tankmate for your African dwarf frogs. These fish are good at scavenging uneaten food items and will also do an excellent job at eating algae. Their unique look adds even more visual interest to your community aquarium. Not competing with them over food resources, Otocinclus forms a safe relationship, enabling both species to thrive together peacefully. Just make sure you do supplemental feedings with food like algae wafers if you run out of algae in the tank!
14. Zebra Danios
- Scientific Name: Danio rerio
- Adult Size: 1 inch
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 81°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – India
- Swimming Level – All
Zebra Danios are ideal for keeping in a community tank with African Dwarf Frogs. Peaceful and active, these fish have distinctive silver-blue stripes running along their bodies to make an interesting addition to the aquarium environment. With optimal water temperatures of 72°F – 81°F and pH levels of 6.5, 7.2, they should be kept in groups of six or more as schooling fish will bring out the playful side that makes them such great companions for your dwarf frog setup! Always feed these fish first before your frog as their fast nature will easily leave your frog short of food if you don’t!
15. Honey Gourami
One of the more peaceful Gourami fish available in the hobby. Has a unique yellow coloration and only grows up to 2 inches in length
- Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Water Temperature: 74°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – India
- Swimming Level – Middle to top
Honey Gourami is a peaceful, serene fish that could coexist with African Dwarf Frogs in an aquarium filled with plants. Their bodies have a golden hue and feature stripes running along the side from head to tail. This species of tropical fish prefers water temperatures between 74°F-82°F combined with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
As peaceful as they may be, Honey Gouramis tend to prefer places where they can find refuge. Thus, it’s essential you give them adequate hiding spots within your tank by having enough decorations and greenery inside their environment so these shy creatures feel more at ease around their new African Dwarf Frog tank mates.
16. Fancy Guppy
An undemanding fish that is a livebearer. Many varieties available
- Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Middle to top
Fancy Guppies, a breed of brilliantly colored fish, can be kept alongside African Dwarf Frogs in an aquarium. With males displaying more vivid colors than females, these live bearers require water temperatures between 72-82°F and pH levels from 6.8 to 7.8 for optimal health – making them ideal tank mates for your dwarf frogs due to their peaceful nature!
As a word of caution with any livebearer, they reproduce rapidly. Actively monitor the number of Fancy Guppy individuals you have so that no overcrowding takes place within your aquascape ecosystem!
17. Platies
- Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches
- Water Temperature: 70°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Middle to top
Platies make an attractive and colorful addition to any community tank. Their non-aggressive nature makes them perfect companions for African Dwarf Frogs, but due to their live-bearing status there is a need for regular monitoring in order not to overcrowd the aquarium with fry. The ideal environment should maintain water temperatures between 70°F – 82°F with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5.
18. Endler’s Livebearer
A very active and colorful livebearer. Smaller in size than guppies
- Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches
- Water Temperature: 64°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Middle to top
Endler’s Livebearer, a vivid-colored fish that is peaceful and non-aggressive in nature, may require a larger tank to prevent overpopulation when living with African Dwarf Frogs. These amazing creatures have various fluorescent hues, which makes them quite outstanding within the aquarium. Endlers prefer temperatures between 64°F and 82°F as well as a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0. These wide parameter tolerates make it feasible for these stunning creatures to be compatible cohabitants alongside your dwarf frogs!
Though capable of multiplying quickly due to their live-bearing characteristic, proper population management would keep overcrowding from occurring where they are housed.
19. Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are one of the best algae eating snails you can buy. Plant safe and do not reproduce in fresh water!
- Scientific Name: Neritina spp
- Adult Size: 0.5 to 1 inch
- Water Temperature: 65°F to 85°F
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Herbivore
- Origin – Atlantic
- Swimming Level – All
Nerite snails, with their diverse range of colors and patterns, are an interesting addition to any community tank. Ideal conditions for these peaceful non-aggressive creatures include a water temperature between 65°F – 85°F and pH 7.0 – 8.5. Their wide range makes them suitable companions alongside your African Dwarf Frogs who do not compete over food resources in the same habitat. Unfortunately, they may lay eggs around the aquarium. While they won’t hatch because babies need brackish water to survive, it may be become an eyesore if they are purchased from the pet store in large numbers.
20. Cherry Shrimp
Great red color and very hardy. Cherry shrimp are the best beginner shrimp for shrimp tanks
- Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
- Adult Size: 1 to 1.25 inches
- Water Temperature: 65°F to 73°F
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Taiwan
- Swimming Level – All
The Cherry Shrimp is a vivid, small-sized crustacean that can be placed in the same tank as African Dwarf Frogs but could also potentially become their prey. This appealing shrimp requires waters with temperatures between 65°F to 73°F and pH levels of 6.0 up to 7.5 for it to thrive. They are an amiable creature and make great companions when cohabitating with dwarf frogs. They need a lot plants and your frogs need to be well fed for them not to be seen as snacks to your frog. The next shrimp will be a better option.
21. Amano Shrimp
Best For Planted Tanks!
When it comes to keeping a healthy planted aquarium, Amano Shrimp are the best. These hard-working crustaceans will dutifully wipe your plants and rockwork clean of algae. Their appetite for different types of algae that can't be matched by other shrimp breeds!
- Scientific Name: Caridina multidetata
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Water Temperature: 65°F to 78°F
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Japan
- Swimming Level – All
Amano shrimp are great candidates for tankmates to African Dwarf Frogs since they will not be eaten. These shrimps have a grey body with dark stripes across them and can survive comfortably in water temperatures between 70°F-80°F as well as pH of 6.0-7.0. These peaceful creatures help keep tanks clean by eating algae and other debris from the bottom substrate, making them perfect companions for your dwarf frogs! Bamboo shrimp also work great too.
Tank Mates To Avoid
When looking for tank mates to share your African Dwarf Frogs’ habitat, focus on compatible and non-aggressive species that require similar care requirements and environmental conditions. Avoid predators, aggressive fish such as territorial cichlids, large predators, and African Clawed Frogs.
Creating A Balanced Community Tank
Creating a harmonious tank for your African dwarf frogs and their other inhabitants requires careful consideration of factors such as compatibility, tank size and environmental conditions. All the species in an African Dwarf Frog aquarium should have similar water parameters, including temperature and pH levels. Providing ample hiding places with plants is necessary to create an environment that mimics nature.
It’s important to keep track of food consumption so that all occupants receive adequate nutrition. Ensure there are no overcrowding issues by keeping population numbers under control when needed. Here are some general tips to help:
- Feed your fish first, then your frog, to ensure everyone gets enough food
- Balance your tank our with bottom dwellers, mid swimmers, and surface dwelling fish
- Keep lots of decor and/or plants so there are places to hide for everyone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do African dwarf frogs need a companion?
African Dwarf Frogs require companionship to be healthy and happy. These social amphibians should live in a group of two or more. They will do best at minimum a 10 gallon tank with 20 gallons being recommended. It is best if they cohabit with peaceful, slow swimming fish species too.
Can African dwarf frogs live in a fish tank?
African dwarf frogs make great companions and can be kept with other species. They need a minimum of 10 gallons in order to live comfortably, though if you want multiple frogs or are adding fish into the mix then a 20-gallon tank is a better choice.
Will African dwarf frogs eat guppies?
African dwarf frogs are an excellent option if you need to curb the number of guppies in your tank since they can certainly consume any fry that is born in the tank. Kept this in mind if you actually want to breed guppies.
What size should tank mates of African Dwarf Frogs be?
Tankmates for African Dwarf Frogs should not be larger than 3 inches in order to protect them from potential harm. These frogs are timid and non-aggressive, so it is essential that their tankmates also exhibit these traits, as they could otherwise cause injury or distress to the dwarf frogs.
How often should I feed beef heart to my African Dwarf Frogs?
Once a month, African Dwarf Frogs should be given beef heart as their food source. These small amphibians will benefit from this treat.
Closing Thoughts
African dwarfs frogs are unique and easy to care for amphibians that can co-exist peacefully in a shared tank with compatible other species. If you carefully choose less aggressive pets who need similar water parameters, then your African Dwarf Frog’s aquarium will be an interesting spectacle of colors while simultaneously being balanced and healthy. You should pay attention to feeding patterns, water purity levels as well as quantity when making sure the environment is suitable for everyone living inside it. With adequate dedication, having an African Dwarf Frog Tank at home will be both rewarding and appealing.
Have you keep frogs in your aquarium? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time fishkeepers!
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I’m thrilled that you found Aquarium Store Depot! Here you’ll find information on fish, aquariums, and all things aquatics related. I’m a hobbyist (being doing this since I was 11) and here to help other hobbyists thrive with their aquariums! I adhere to a high quality Editorial Process and Review products with real life field usage and practical analysis.
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