African dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus sp.) are often sold as additions to tropical freshwater fish aquariums or as "living art" to be kept in small glass vases or other displays.  In fact, these frogs often do not compete well with aggressive tropical fish and fail to thrive in community aquariums.  They also need a larger more complex environments than a 1 gallon vase filled with water lined with gravel in order to do well.                                                                                                                                                                    

African dwarf frogs, also known as dwarf clawed frogs, need to be kept in aquaria that provide at least 2 gallons of water per frog.  The bottom of the aquarium should be covered with gravel that is too large for the frogs to accidentally eat as they forage for food.  The water should be filtered, using either a sponge filter, an undergravel filter, or canister filter, and at least 10 to 20% of the water should be siphoned out and replaced with dechlorinated water once a week. Uneaten food, shed skin, and feces may be removed using a turkey baster or a dip net as needed so the filter does not get overloaded.  These frogs need to have dimly lit areas in their aquarium so they are not in bright light all the time.  Small sections 1 inch diameter PVC pipes are simple caves but not particularly pleasing to see.  You may also use submerged logs, caves of stone, or aquarium-safe decorations to provide these hiding places.  The water temperature should be 78-82°F and never allowed to go above 85°F or below 70°F. Live plants such as Elodea or other plants used in tropical freshwater aquarium are nice additions but you need to be sure to provide enough light to sustain the plants' health, typically a 12 hr photoperiod.  Plants are nice because the frogs will often rest on portions of the plant near the surface of the water.  It is also helpful to have a rock or branch that projects near the surface of the water as the frogs may also rest there.  Since the frogs need to gulp air occasionally in order to breathe, these shallow spots allow them to do this without having to struggle and swim to the surface of the water.