Can I raise a Betta fish with African dwarf frogs?

In this post, we will answer the question “Can I raise a Betta fish with African dwarf frogs?”. We will also learn tank specificities to keep Betta fish and African dwarf frogs.

Can I raise a Betta fish with African dwarf frogs?

African Dwarf frogs can cohabit with Betta fish without experiencing major problems. The tank in which the two creatures are housed should be wide enough to support them both comfortably. Typically, African dwarf frogs are known to be easy-going and non-aggressive animals. On the other hand, Betta fish are a little aggressive but with time they somehow get along with the dwarf frogs.

The presentation of a new individual into the tank with already existing fish can be a challenging task. The Betta fish in the tank will exhibit their territorial behaviours, mainly when introducing frogs to their habitat.

What is the best way to feed African dwarf frogs while you have a Betta in the tank?

Hopefully, your betta will not eat your African dwarf frogs food. Betta fish have upturned mouths, thus it is uncommon for them to accept food from the bottom of the tank because of their upturned mouths. It is possible, however, to ensure that your Betta or any other fish is not starving your frog by taking steps to ensure that it has adequate food. 

pH and temperature comparison between betta fish and African dwarf frog 

When determining whether or not two distinct species can coexist in an aquarium, one of the first things you should evaluate is whether or not they can survive in the same temperature and pH settings as one another. You might find two fish species you absolutely appreciate and then realize they cannot be kept together.

African dwarf frogs require a temperature ranging between 75 and 80°F and a pH of around 7. Betta fish are very similar, they also prefer temperatures between 78 and 80 °F with a neutral pH.

Will an African dwarf frog be able to survive in a Betta fish aquarium? 

If you wish to keep Betta fish and African dwarf frogs together, you must take some precautions. These include: 

The tank does not have a lot of depth 

Despite the fact that African dwarf frogs spend the great majority of their lives beneath, they must come up for air because they have lungs, not gills, which allow them to breathe underwater. Due to this and the fact the African dwarf frogs are not very good swimmers, the tank should not be too deep. Otherwise, your frog might succumb to its injuries. 

The first thing you should check is that your tank does not extend deeper than 12 inches into the ground. From the bottom of the tank to the surface of the water, this is the greatest distance your African dwarf frog should have to swim. Don’t be concerned if your aquarium is more than 12 inches in depth. You can place one or two inches of gravel in the tank to reduce the depth. We recommend adding enough substrate to the tank bottom to ensure that there is only 9 to 10 inches of space between the tank bottom and the surface of the water.

Gravel is the most recommended substrate for African dwarf frog tanks because it will not be big enough to trap the frog leg and also not small enough for the frogs will ingest it.

For a tank containing Betta fish and African dwarf frogs, approximately how many gallons of water are required?

Each African dwarf frogs require at least 1-gallon of space, however, bigger tanks are better. And because you are going to place your frogs with Betta fish, it is recommended to have a tank bigger than 10-gallon of space. However, a 20-gallon tank would fit the animals better.

Betta and African dwarf frog tank setup

In nature, African dwarf frogs are usually preyed on by other animals.It is critical to keep this in mind while setting up your tank to meet the demands of your frogs and Betta fish. Like Betta fish, African dwarf frogs enjoy shallow water, which is similar to their habitat. Betta fish favor river basins and rice paddies, but African dwarf frogs prefer shallow rivers, streams, and ponds. Betta fish are found in rivers, rice paddies, and rice fields. Both settings are fairly similar and may be replicated in a tank with minimal effort. 

Make sure there are enough plants in your tank to give your Betta fish and African dwarf frogs the impression that they are in their own habitat. Your Betta fish and the African dwarf frogs will feel safer among the plants reducing stress levels.In addition, you should provide plenty of hiding places in the tank. Some of which are strategically placed at the bottom to provide hiding places for your fish and frog. 

Placing floating leaves and other items towards the top of your tank for your frogs to sit on when they feel like it will help to keep them comfortable. In this case, though, be certain that your frog will not be able to leap out of the tank, which you may accomplish by using a cover. 

Are African dwarf frogs capable of jumping out of their tank?

If your African dwarf frog is left alone in the tank without a suitable lid, he or she may jump out of the aquarium. And if they are not apprehended quickly enough, they will almost certainly perish. Because African dwarf frogs cannot survive outside of a tank for more than 20 minutes before becoming dehydrated and dying, they must be kept in a tank at all times. 

The fact that they can leap out and back in would not be a problem in the wild since they can just as readily jump back in. But in the case of a tank, the frog will not be able to return inside. 

Can African dwarf frogs live alone?

If there was a Betta fish in the tank, an African dwarf frog would not be alone in his habitat. However, it will not receive the societal prerequisites that it requires. A minimum of two African dwarf frogs should always be kept in a tank at all times. This will ensure that they will not be lonely or bored during their stay. 

Keep in mind that African dwarf frogs require a minimum of one gallon of water per individual, and that you should never keep them in a tank less than ten gallons. Swimming space for both the frog and the Betta fish in a 10-gallon tank is going to be enough in this arrangement.

What to do if your Betta fish and African dwarf frog are fighting?

Unfortunately, there are occasions when your pets will just not get along with one another. Whatever the circumstances and no matter how much room they have, they just cannot coexist with one another. If that’s the case, you will have to relocate the aggressor to a different tank for protection. 

If your Betta fish is the source of the problem, it is best to relocate it to a different tank immediately. You will be able to lessen the stress levels of the fish and frogs as a result of your actions. If you have an isolation tank, you might use it as a temporary residence. 

The advantage of having two tanks is that you may introduce various species into the gentler tank, which is beneficial.

How to assess whether your Betta fish will be aggressive towards the frogs?

The easiest approach to determine whether or not your Betta fish will be aggressive is to observe how it interacts with other aquatic creatures. If you have previously introduced fish to your tank and it has tolerated the Betta fish, there is a strong probability that it will tolerate your new African dwarf frogs as well. 

Another option is to start with your frogs and then add your Betta fish later.

Conclusion 

In this post, we answered the question “Can I raise a Betta fish with African dwarf frogs?”. We also learnt tank specificities to keep Betta fish and African dwarf frogs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know in the comments section below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can I raise a Betta fish with African dwarf frogs?

What do African dwarf frogs appreciate having in their aquarium?

African dwarf frogs like their tropical water: 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. An aquarium heater will assist you in keeping the tank in ideal conditions to keep your frogs. Also, plants are very important in an African dwarf frog tank.

How to raise a frog?

Frogs usually live well with natural temperature and light, it is unnecessary to equip the aquarium with lamps or heaters. Do not leave the tank directly exposed to sunlight, which, in excess, can be harmful to amphibians.

Is it necessary for African dwarf frogs to have land? 

No, African dwarf frogs do not require a piece of land in their aquarium. It is critical, however, that your tank is no deeper than 10-12 inches in diameter. As a result, your frog will be able to reach the surface and take in some oxygen. 

Is it possible to hold an African dwarf frog?

Although they are very social creatures, African dwarf frogs should not be handled outside the tank. This is because they have very sensitive skin and can also suffer from dehydration very quickly.

What do Afrigvbncan dwarf frogs eat?

African dwarf frogs eat insects of various species, such as flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants, aphids, beetles, caterpillars, and fireflies. In addition to insects, they eat other invertebrates such as spiders, slugs, and earthworms.

References 

Rosen, P. C., Schwalbe, C. R., Parizek, D. A., Holm, P. A., Lowe, C. H., & Schwalbe, C. R. (1997, November). Using managed waters for conservation of threatened frogs. In Proceedings of Symposium on Environmental, Economic, and Legal Issues Related to Rangeland Water Developments (pp. 180-202).

Betta Fish and African Dwarf Frog Can Live Together? https://www.aquariumnexus.com/betta-fish-african-dwarf-frog/