Difference Between African Dwarf Frogs and African Clawed Frogs

Difference Between African Dwarf Frogs and African Clawed Frogs

Due to the similarities in their names and their aquatic nature, African Dwarf Frogs ("Western Dwarf Clawed Frog") and Xenopus ("African Clawed Frog") are often mixed up - particularly when searching the Internet. 

Froggy's Lair frogs are African Dwarf Frogs.

Actually, there are vast differences:
  1. They are two different Species!
    1. African Dwarf Frogs - Hymenochirus curtipes (wikipedia)
    2. Xenopus Frogs - Xenopus laevis (wikipedia)
  2. Their max size is different:
    1.  African Dwarf Frogs - 2 inches long
    2. Xenopus Frogs - 5 inches long
  3. They interact with their environment very differently: 
    1.  African Dwarf Frogs - not an invasive species: Nationally OR Internationally
    2. Xenopus Frogs - INVASIVE species: Nationally AND Internationally
  4. Human interaction:
    1.  African Dwarf Frogs - Pet Trade
    2. Xenopus Frogs - Human Fertility Testing, Biological Research, Genetic Research, Pet Trade
  5. Depth of Environment:
    1. African Dwarf Frogs - Natively, they live in shallow water and remain on the bottom surface.  Should be kept in tank with less than 12 inches deep in water.
    2. Xenopus Frogs - Natively, they live in lakes and rivers.  They are more mobile and do not have a depth restriction.
  6. Pet Trade:
    1. African Dwarf Frogs - typically sold as a fully-developed frog (6 months or older).  As a small critter, they are 0.25 inches long as a tadpole.
    2. Xenopus Frogs - typically sold as a tadpole.  As a larger critter, they are 2 inches long as a tadpole which provides a more visible frog-transformation experience.
  7. Visible Differences:
    1. African Dwarf Frogs - Four webbed feet, eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, and pointed snouts.
    2. Xenopus Frogs - Webbed hind feet only (the three inside toes on each hind foot have notable claws)and the three inside toes on either foot have clawsand the three inside toes on either foot have clawsand the three inside toes on either foot have claws, eyes positioned on the tops of their heads, and curved, flat snouts.
As stated on Wikipedia, "African dwarf frogs can be mistaken for and are often sold as young African clawed frogs, of the genus Xenopus, which are larger and more aggressive than the dwarf."



    • Related Articles

    • Purchasing Frogs Separate from BioSphere Purchase

      We so sell African Dwarf Frogs! Visit our website: www.FroggysLair.com. Please note, we only ship expedited for the safety of the frogs - adding a frog to an order will add the expedited shipping to the entire order. When you place your order, fill ...

    • Are My Frogs Male or Female?

      We do not separate out the males and the females so you could potentially have both in a tank.  Often, the frogs do not start showing signs of gender until about 9 months of age (your frogs are approximately 6 months old when shipped to the retail ...

    • What if my frog dies? Froggy's Warranty

      African Dwarf Frogs have a average life span of 6 years or more.   Frog Warranty Shipped from Online Store: Froggy's Lair takes great care to ensure that the frogs you order arrive safely and in healthy condition. If regrettably your frog(s) arrives ...

    • One Frog Died

      African dwarf frogs are social animals and while they are able to survive by themselves, we do recommend purchasing a new frog. Here are a couple of options: If you recently purchased your frog from a local retailer: Froggy's Lair encourages our ...

    • BioSphere Size

      We are regularly asked about our BioSphere sizes for these crazy, amazing critters!  We love these frogs and appreciate folks' concerns about their care and habitat. African Dwarf Frogs are Amphibians - not Fish.  Many folks (and web sites) reference ...