African Clawed Frog Xenopus laevis The Bait Store Frog!  The African Clawed Frog or Xenopus Laevis is probably one of the best known frogs around, being found in most bait shops and almost every pet store. Clawed frogs originate from the African Rift Valley. It appears as a little frog usually with some fish, but as it grows more and more fish disappear. It will grow to be about 3"-6", with very powerful legs capable of moving tank fixtures, and possibly breaking glass. Very skittish but by far one of the easiest to maintain in captivity. The Clawed Frog can be maintained in a very simple aquarium set up and thrive for years. I have had mine for about 13 years and counting. African Clawed Frog-Xenopus laevis Origin-African Rift Valley Size-3"-6" Temperment/Handling-Amphibians should be handled as little as possible. This frog is very difficult to hold. If handling is necessary, use a fish net and cover the opening with your hand to avoid escape. Hardiness/Life Span-Very hardy, often overtaking cage mates. Mine is long lived! Housing-Going against everything else you will ever read about the housing of these frogs, I will tell you how I keep mine.  I keep mine in a ten gallon aquarium with 3 Fire Bellied Toads (Cynops orientalis). I use about a 2" layer of aquarium gravel with a large rock for the newts to get out on and about six inches of water. I do use a secure screen lid just in case. I use no filter though many recommend it as well as deeper water for the totally aquatic frog.  I have had my African Clawed Frog and Fire Bellied Newts for 13years and counting. I got them when I was about 9yrs old. Some times they will fight, but obviously not too bad if they have lived this long.  Being one of my first pets I will never change my methods on this species!  Other Peoples Way-Most people keep African Clawed Frogs in a 10-20gal aquarium with no other species.  Start with a 2"-3" layer of aquarium gravel and fill the aquarium with spring or aged tap water. Keep cage accessories to a bare minimum as this frog has strong legs and could send objects through the aquarium glass. Add some floating aquatic plants for hiding, as any planted ones will just get uprooted by this ravinous frog. A good aquarium filter will will aid in water maintenance. Enclosure Maintenance-Honestly I only change my water every 2-3 months.  The water does get dirty, but it has done them just fine. It is recommended by some, you change the water every couple weeks, once a month is a good filter is used. Check all electrical devices as often as possible to help prevent fire hazards.  Lighting-I use a fluorescent bulb as they do fine at room temp. I maintained no regular lighting schedule until about two years ago. The lights should be left on 12hrs a day throughout the summer months and 9-10 hrs a day in the winter.  I recommend keeping all lighting on a timer, it saves the hassle of manually turning on and off the lights every day. Heat/Temp-African Clawed Frogs do fine at normal room temps say 68F-80F. in most places. Aquarium heaters may be broken by this hyper species. Humidity/Water-Fully aquatic, only surfacing to breath.  Only use spring water or tap water that has been aged for at least 24 hours.  Do not use distilled water or water directly from the sink. Diet/Food-I have successfully maintained mine on Reptimin floating sticks it's whole life and within the past few years an occasional escaped cricket.  Some like bugs As a general rule food items should be no larger than the length of the head. Commonly used food items include commercially raised crickets, meal worms, wax worms, and various other insects. Wild insects are readily accepted, but make sure they haven't come in contact with any pesticides.  All food items should be gut loaded (fed a nutritious diet of various greens, potatoes, and cricket food) for at least 24hrs prior to feeding. Good luck dusting vitamin dusting insects, it will just fall off in the water.  I believe the Reptimin to be just perfect. Sexing- Other-13yrs and counting! Many people don't believe me when I speak of my first pets, but hey, call my mom she wouldn't lie! Disclaimer-Everything on this page is a matter of my personal opinion.  This care sheet is merely meant to help get you started.  Always do lots of other research and do what is in the best interest of you and your pet. Last Updated-03/13/03 Aaron Downing            ReptileAaron@aol.com  https://www.angelfire.com/me4/pets