http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/amphibfdgfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>
Problem: Substantial amount of film extending outward several millimeters
with an almost halo-like translucence, not cottony at all, on African Dwarf
Frogs lower bodies,
<... mycete...>
on body of at least one Malaysian Trumpet snail,
<Odd... same>
on shells of apple snails and also covering plants, driftwood and filter
<This, likely something else>
Water test results: Ammonia= 0, nitrate= 0, nitrites= 0, PH= 7.2, Temp= 74F,
current alkalinity =<40, water hardness=150.
Setup: 10 gallon with Aqua Clear filter for 20 gallon, 2 African Dwarf Frogs,
several small Malaysian Trumpet Snails, 1 Ramshorn snail, 2 mystery snails,
approx 20 live plants/moss.
I was unfortunately locked out of my apartment for about three days. During this
time a new addition African Dwarf Frog, who had been quarantined before
introduction into my tank, died. I removed the corpse
<Likely the source of the opportunistic fungus, stress, diminished environmental
quality here>
and did a 100% water change.
<Best to avoid such wholesale changes if possible, practical>
At the same time I changed my silica sand substrate, which had been accumulating
a black mold and put in a thin, 1/3 inch, layer of calcium carbonate and well
placed pebble piles to hold down the plants. After all of the disruption my
filter became clogged and was working less than adequately for 1-2 days until
fixed. A nearly invisible thread-like algae sprung up throughout the aquarium
almost overnight but disappeared once the filter was working properly.
<Is/was a mix of microbes... from the loss of biological stability, "cycling">
Ammonia/Nitrite levels stayed at zero. I noticed the algae like substance
remained on and was covering the lower bodies of both frogs and one may have had
slight pop-eye (could be my imagination). They started and have continued to
shed their skins. There may also be a difference in their dropping, possibly
longer and stringier. Also noticed today that long stringy dropping was sticking
to the tail of the female. I removed the carbon from my filter, added 1tsp of
salt
<Good>
and started and completed the five day treatment with Maracyn 2 adding another
tsp of salt on the third day. The filmy clear beard-halo went away for a day and
came back. I began today the five day treatment for Maracyn as well as the
first of two (dosage as recommended on packaging for scaleless fish) treatments
of APPLUS Anti-Fungus (active ingredients Malachite Green and Acriflavine
Hydrochloride)
<... I would not use this here>
I am confused whether this is Columnaris because it is all over the tank and is
not white.
<What? Stop! You're going to kill off your livestock with this hypochondriac
behavior>
I do not think it is algae since it is harming the frogs and at least one snail.
Bacterial, Parasitic or Fungal? What should I do/stop doing immediately? THANK
YOU SO MUCH!!!
<Mmm, actually, locking yourself out for a number of days... don't do "anything"
more chemical-wise other than finish the Mardel product use, partial water
changes, replenish the salt removed from same. Bob Fenner>
Dwarf Frog Diseases - 03/13/2006
I can't seem to find any info on the diseases dwarf frogs suffer from. I
have read that they are very sensitive to the medicine in ich remedies: does
this mean they can't get ich? If not, do I still need to be quarantining them?
< Frogs are sensitive to the dyes like malachite green and Methylene blue, but
they can handle antibiotics used for fish. The frogs may not have ich but the
tank water from the store may have the ich parasites in it. I would still
quarantine to be safe.-Chuck
Injured ADF's 5/2/06
Hi, I recently brought 3 more frogs after my male died suddenly, & my female
became lonely.
Well, the runt (stumpy) of the 3 has no foot on one leg, and a small, deformed
foot on the other. could this be infected as the stump looks
slightly ragged & what treatments could be used.
<... I'd be very careful here. Please read:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/amphibdisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above>
stumpy can swim fine & come up for air & moves around a lot.
Also, on 1 of the other new ones, i noticed a red patch, which i read could be
red leg. However, i can't see it now, but they are moving a lot. what can
be done about this. I'm a bit unsure about illnesses as the first 2 had never
been ill, & the male died as it was old.
Luckily, my original frog & the other new one seem to be perfectly fine.
Any help much appreciated.
Edith
<Bob Fenner>
African Dwarf Frogs and fish
medications 7/13/06
Hello, my name is Robin.
I have a 45 gallon tank that houses one African Dwarf Frog, 4 Ghost Shrimp, and
12 Bronze Cory Catfish.
Yesterday I noticed that some of the baby (I say baby, my original three bred
successfully in my aquarium about four months ago) Corys have fuzzy fungus
growth. I have Applus+ Anti-Fungus Fungus and Fin Rot Treatment, whose main
ingredients are Malachite Green and Hydrochloride.
<Toxic to your Frogs and Shrimp>
I wanted to check before I add anything to the tank, because I'm concerned about
the frog and the shrimp. Will I have to move them to a different tank while
treating the catfish?
<Yes... and do check your water quality... The Corydoras would not "get" a
fungal/bacterial infection if all was well here>
Is there a more "frog friendly" treatment for the catfish? I know that the
Anti-Fungus treatment is potentially harmful to scaleless fish, and frogs absorb
things through theirs, so I don't want to poison the frog.
Thank you very much.
Robin
<You need to separate the non-fish. Bob Fenner>
Medications With Snails And Frogs 9/9/06
Dear WWM Crew, Want to first say what a great site you guys have, and
the patience you have for all the numerous questions you guys answer! I have
tried looking through the Google search and forums regarding my question,
and wasn't able to find my answer, so I am asking you. My first question is
regarding my black mystery snail. I recently gave it a soft leaf vegetable
(Chinese vegetable called Xiao bai cai which literally means small white
veggie) and it is consuming the entire thing. I was wondering if you can
actually overfeed a snail, or will they stop eating once they are full?
< They are exposed to all kinds of veggies in the wild and I am sure they
quit eating when they are full.>
My second question is regarding the medication I have been applying to my
fish tank for fin rot. I checked the Applesnail.net site, but their link
to fish pharmaceuticals led to a dead link. I am using Melafix (active
ingredient is Melaleuca) from Aquarium Pharmaceutical Inc., and was
wondering if it will affect either my black mystery snail or my African
dwarf frog? Thanks a bunch! And keep up with the awesome work! Anson
< Invertebrates and amphibians really don't like medications. Melafix would
not be my first choice to treat fin rot. Stronger medications may harm them.
I would treat the sick fish in a hospital tank with Nitrofuranace of
Kanamycin.-Chuck>
I have a male Bristlenose catfish, two years old he is four and half inches
long. He is in a 300 litre tank, he used to be kept with Neons, Glowlights
and platies. He was very happy, I fed him on catfish pellets, algae wafers,
bloodworms, brine shrimps and daphnia. Now he is living with tinfoil barbs.
he's not as happy and hides under the filter, he is only getting the catfish
pellets and algae wafers, as the tinfoil barbs eat everything else first, I
have noticed that he is not cleaning the tank as well for the past week. And
he has a lump on his snout in front of one eye, I have telephoned all my
local aquatic shops, no one seems to have heard of this before, I'm very
worried, to me is looks like a cyst, apart from this his colouring and
general condition is very good. I hope you can help me, as the children are
very fond of catty! Wait to hear from you, Sue
< As your Pleco roots around for food he probably injured himself on a piece
of wood or rock. The area may be infected. I would recommend treating him in
a hospital tank with Nitrofuranace or Kanamycin as per the directions on the
package.-Chuck>
Fungused Frog 9/7/06
I am incredibly irritated with Petco right now. After going through the
archives on your site (your suggestion was correct, nearly all of my
questions had been answered and more) I discovered that not only can my
African Dwarf frogs not tolerate aquarium salt (which I specifically asked
the attendant at Petco about--not wanting to hurt either my Betta, Chester,
or the frogs) they can also not really be around my Betta. Which was very
confusing as several Betta enthusiasts have suggested this type of frog as a
good bottom feeder to compliment Betta fish.
<I have had good success keeping these together. As long as they are the
DWARF species & not the CLAWED species.>
Chester is in general much more passive than my other male Betta (obviously
in another tank) and snapped a little at them but seems to get along well
with them right now.
I noticed a cottony growth on one of my ADFs (Bender) right before searching
on ways to fix this. Promptly afterwards I found out he couldn't handle
salt so I did an immediate water change and then came back to look at more
things for fixing this. I planned on getting a quarantine tank soon. I
don't want to do so many changes because stressing him out won't help any,
but are there medicines that are safe for other fish and can he be by
himself?
<Melafix>
Will he spread this infection to Fry (the other frog) or Chester?
<It's possible.>
I don't want him to be lonely in a quarantine tank (even if he doesn't seem
to really give a flying hoot about Fry). Would you suggest getting a one
gallon or so to move them both into permanently?
<Not necessary, if they are OK with the Betta.>
You are one of the most knowledgeable sites I've come across for pets of any
kind and if anyone can help me out, I hope it's the team at Wet Web Media.
<Awwww,... shucks, happy to help! PP>
Thank you,
Meghan R.
Re: Fungused Frog 9/8/06
I'm positive they're Dwarf Frogs but thank you for clearing up the
confusion.
<Sure>
Shortly after I sent you an email, I went back to look at Bender again and
discovered that it seemed like the whole cottony growth had come off of him,
it was floating around the tank before I sucked it up and got it out. Is it
possible he was shedding his skin? What does that look like?
<It's possible the shedding skin could've fungused but it looks like
shedding skin, not fungus.>
And thank you so much again, your response was quick and the answers helped
a lot!
<I'd still add the Melafix. ~PP>
--Meghan R.
Dwarf African frogs Might Escape 4/27/06
Hello. Sadly, my son's 2 year-old Betta fish just died. He would like to
get two African dwarf frogs and use the same tank, which is a 3 gallon
Marineland Eclipse with bio wheel. I have completely sanitized the tank and
am in the process of cycling it in preparation for the frogs. I discovered,
however, that the filtration system won't function without the water coming
up to within an inch of the top rim (and anyway, if the water were lower,
the "waterfall' effect would disturb the frogs too much). My concern is
that ADFs jump. This tank has a nice tight lid, but will the frogs be able
to escape up into the lid if the water is that high? I don't want them to
fry themselves on the light if it's on. My other alternative is purchasing
a different filtration system, but is there one that is similar to the bio
wheel idea? Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
< Get some clear plastic wrap and stretch it over the top openings by the
filter. Add a few floating plants and the frogs should be happy and not try
and get out.-Chuck>
Dianne
"A Tale of Two Tanks" or "The Three Little Frogs" 8/25/06
I hope this finds you well. I'm having a very strange problem that I can't
seem to solve by research or common sense, so I'm turning to you for expert
advice! My son is delighted with his 3 African Dwarf Frogs who live by
themselves in a 5 gallon tank with a Whisper filter, no direct sunlight, no
gravel or sand, no live plants (artificial plants and decorations only).
<Mmm, would be better... happier, healthier with some gravel, plants...>
I've been able to manage to keep ammonia, nitrates and nitrites at zero - or
get them back to zero when there have been spikes- and the temp at a nice steady
78. pH levels test around 7.2. They eat a pinch of Hikari frozen bloodworms
purchased at our LFS every 3 days or so and seem to be happy and thriving. The
problem is a smelly, slimy, grayish white sludge that keeps emerging on the
water's surface despite everything I've tried so far (the water itself has
always remained clear when looking through the walls of the tank). In addition
to being disgusting, it's a safety concern since the frogs are surface
breathers. The first time it appeared, the tank was only 1 month old. My
attempts have included 1. skimming the sludge, doing water changes, cutting back
on the amount of worms being fed, and filter cartridge changes every week, 2.
putting the frogs into a holding tank while scrubbing and sanitizing the entire
tank and its contents, then waiting for the tank to cycle again, 3. repeating
step 2 when the sludge returned, but this time trying it without adding
bio-Spira (just trying to account for all possibilities), 4. when the slime
returned, putting the frogs into an entirely new tank, an Eclipse 2.5 gallon
with bio-wheel we had on hand, which was allowed to cycle as well and had
completely different plants and decorations, just in case. This worked OK for a
while but the temp was too hard to control in the smaller tank (ran too hot) and
the water was hard to keep clean because the bioload was too high and I had to
change the filter cartridge frequently as it kept getting clogged with brown
gunk. After two months, I thought it was time to put them back in their 5
gallon again. This time I completely replaced the filter with a new Whisper
filter, just in case anything could have survived in the nooks and crannies in
the old one. I just reintroduced the frogs to their 5 gallon tank 4 days ago,
fed them 2 days ago, and noted yesterday that the water's surface was again
gunking up and starting to smell! I skimmed off the slime, changed the filter
cartridge (it looked fine - but just in case) and did a 50% water
change. Ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites all read zero. This morning, the water
looked OK but I detected a bit of the smell. I'm planning to go out and
purchase a new package of frozen blood worms, since that's about the only thing
I haven't replaced so far.
Thanks for any thought you might have!
Dianne
<Some sort of "bio-film"... bacterial and likely protozoal population growth...
these can be (am thinking of you doing push-ups ala Duvall, saying "You talkin'
to me?") very persistent... I would try the "biological control route"... add a
few sprigs of some hardy "floating grass/plant"... e.g. Anacharis,
Myriophyllum... may take a few weeks to months... but should shift the
population to "something else". Bob Fenner>
Re: "A Tale of Two Tanks" or "The Three Little Frogs" 8/25/06
Thanks for your reply, Bob!
< Bob is away for a few, RichardB with you. >
I will try adding the plants, but wanted to double check something with
you. Since ADF's are surface breathers, is there any danger to adding a
floating plant?
< Not if you prune them accordingly. >
Or will a few sprigs not multiply very quickly?
< That depends on the species of plant you choose, the lighting, and the
quantity of nutrients available for the plants to consume. Duckweed would
invariably take over the world, where wisteria or hornwort would be less
aggressive. Whatever plant you decide upon, try to keep at least half of the
surface available at all times. The idea of the floating plants is great, and
you may find the frogs hanging out in it! >
< Happy planting! RichardB >
Thanks,
Dianne
Hi, have a question. I have searched your site & do not see a similar
problem. I have 2 ADF in a 2.5 gallon tank, with a filter running. We
first bought pellet food, then found out through research online they should be
fed frozen bloodworms.
<... and other meaty live, non-live foods>
Purchased those 3 days ago now, feeding them pea-sized amount every other
day (is this correct???)
<Best to look at their "tummies"...>
My main question is an odor.
<Interesting>
It's gotten milder/better since switching from pellets, but it still is
unpleasant. Had water checked at the petstore, they said water levels are
fine. Should we do a partial water change to see if there's disintegrated
pellet food causing odor?
<Yes... should do these change-outs weekly...>
Any other suggestions? My pet peeve is pet stores selling these frogs
with zero info on feeding, correct water levels, cleaning of tanks,
etc. Thanks for the help, Lisa
<Thank goodness for books, magazines, the Net... Bob Fenner>
Dwarf African Frogs
Hi,
I need help. I need info. on Dwarf African Frogs. I seen u have a pic of one on
your web site but no info. I want to know if we can take them out of the water
and hold them for a few minutes?
<Yes. Though these species are capable of staying in the water continuously,
they are aerial respirators, and can/do leave the water at times in the wild>
How often do they have to come up for air?
<Hmm, "every few minutes"...>
etc...... Please help i can not find anything on the internet that is helpful. I
have 4 in my tank with guppies, tetras and live plants.
<Do use the links on the page, and your computer's search engines... with the
common and scientific names. Bob Fenner>
thanks,
sue
Dwarf Frog Tadpoles and Eggs
I'm hoping you can help me, my dwarf frogs have been laying eggs for months,
this time I actually have tadpoles swimming around in the aquarium. I'm fearful
that the big ones will eat the tadpoles but I'm not sure which ones I should
transfer into a new home and what to do.
<It is a good idea to move the adults and any other livestock other than the
tadpoles, and raise them where they are currently>
I'm not prepared because I didn't think the eggs would actually do anything and
by switching the big ones to a different tank I'm afraid I might shock them.
Also what do the tadpoles need to eat?
<Do start preparing water to change that which is in the system (best to store
it in a clean (no soap residue) container for a week or more... I would also add
a sponge filter or two here... good for these animals who can be messy, and not
a problem in terms of "sucking them up". You can feed them on a number of
foods... blanched zucchini, fish flake foods, pellets... just take care to NOT
overfeed. Bob Fenner>
HELP!!!!
Is there anything I can do and if so what.
Re: Your Dwarf Frogs
Robert:
Sorry to bother you again but now I think I have another problem. My female frog
the professional egg layer looks as if she is going to blow up. Since I last
e-mailed you she has laid two more batches of eggs. I did remove the adults from
the one aquarium to another but that was prior to the two additional batches.
The male appears to be fine and thin but I swear if I stuck her with a pin right
now she would fly to the moon. Is there anything I can do or is this usual?
<Hmm, likely not unusual... seasonal... hopefully not egg-bound>
I'm afraid she might die if I don't try and help her.
Sorry to be such a pest but I've had these guys for five years and I've become
quite attached.
<I understand... most of what I might suggest is worse than waiting/seeing. Bob
Fenner>
Thanks
Lea
Bloodworm Infestation (HELP!!)
Hi, your site's really great! I really hope you can answer my question I'm
at my wit's end! ). My question is ( I admit ) a bit off the subject BUT still
is related to external/internal parasites. OK, my fish ( guppies, silver
hatchets, loach, emerald cat, iridescent shark ) and one of my African Dwarf
frogs are infested with bloodworms. I am POSITIVE they are bloodworms (thin,
red, protrude from vent, and aquarium has no other parasitic contact). Anyway,
my frogs NEED the bloodworms to eat (they won't eat anything else.
<Have you tried "Glassworms"? (actually chironomid/midge fly larvae), small
frozen/defrosted marine crustaceans? There are quite a few of these offered by
the pet-fish trade. Look for the Gamma brand...>
I feed them frozen ones, never live. ). I now know a feeding method that
prevents the fish from getting infested, but, now one of my frogs is "wormy".
Whenever my fish got wormy, it always died in the end. I try to halt parasitic
invasion by plucking the worms out of their ventral areas ( it's really gross
and I'm rather squeamish. ). It seems to help, but my fish still die. Is there
any medication or wormer that I can use?
<There are... a few worth trying. Piperazine and Praziquantel may be had through
your veterinarian... you are looking for a vermifuge (as in "flee worm")
medication that won't harm fishes, frogs...>
I have no invertebrates in my tank, and all of the plants are fake yup, plastic.
). I really don't want to hurt my fish and frogs. It'd be great if there is a
medication available. Please help me!
- "Worm Picker-Outer"( that's really grossed out )
<Do keep us informed of your progress. Bob Fenner>
Re: Bloodworm Infestation (HELP!!)
Whoa, that was quick! I didn't get the stuff yet ( It's Sunday night ), but
I was hoping for a bit more information ( the info you sent me was great! ).
I think the frogs would like the glassworms, but if the glassworms hatch...?
<This won't happen... or you can just try them as frozen/defrosted...>
There is a small chance that they will grow into flies, right? And if they're
flies, they aren't parasitic...?
<No my friend... the world is comprised of much more than hosts and parasites...
these are "free-living" organisms>
Or do they just swim around?
<The do wiggle quite a bit>
If given the chance, do they multiply rapidly?
<Mmm, no... please use your search engine and the words "glassworm" or
"chironomid"... The adults lay eggs, which hatch into larvae... You won't have
adults>
Do they smell (like brine shrimp)? Will they carry disease/irritate fish?
<None of the above>
Or will fish enjoy them as well?
<Likely very much so>
Please answer as many as you can ( don't feel pressed; I'm just a kid ). Also,
about Pip. and Prazi. We don't have a regular vet (but we can find one). How is
the medication administered? Are there needles (shudder)?
<As powders in the food. 10 mg of Piperazine sulfate/kg for three days... the
equivalent of 0.10% Piperazine at a rate of 1% body weight/day. Praziquantel can
be administered via baths of differing strengths, durations or orally at 50
mg/kg of fish... or 0.50% fed at a rate of 1% body weight per day>
Is it a dissolvent? Will I have to force feed the frog ( their mouths just won't
open! )?
<It is necessary that the animals ingest the food-laced with chemical, or that
they be immersed (about 2 mg Praziquantel/l or 7.6 mg/gallon for 24 hours>
And last, what should I ask for ( kid at counter, embarrassed, doesn't know
which medication out of dozens to choose )?
<Please consult with your parents/guardians here (do show them our
correspondence). It will likely be necessary to purchase one or both of these
compounds from a veterinarian source>
Again, don't feel pressed. Thank you sooo much for your help and time!!!
<You are certainly welcome. Bob
Fenner>
- "Worm
Picker-Outer"( that might be SAVED!! )
Dwarf African Frogs
What is the difference between HYMENOCHIRUS BOETTGERI AND CURTIPES?
<Well... from what I have learned from some Google searches, not
much. Apparently they look similar and are often confused.
http://www.pipidae.net/david/Page2.htm#genus
>
Also why would new jersey list the former as an exotic species and require a
permit?
<Ya got me there, I might ask the folks who told you would need a permit, or
whoever is in charge of supplying the permits. -Gage>
thanks for any help you can supply.
Dwarf frog and ich meds!
Hi there!
<Hi! Ananda here tonight...>
I have two Dwarf frogs, and I had them in a tank with a goldfish and a black
moor. The black moor came down with Ich and died. So, I moved my goldfish
(Herbie) to a quarantine tank w/meds. Then, I cleaned out the other tank,
removed all the decor, to remove the ich from it, and put meds in that water as
well. After putting my frogs in the water, about half hour later, I realized
one of my frogs turned pale!!! Can you tell me what is wrong? Or am I just
freaking out over nothing?
<It is entirely possible that your frogs cannot tolerate the medication at the
strength you're using it. I would quarantine the frogs in their own bare tank,
with no medication.>
I really appreciate your help!!
<You're welcome.... --Ananda>
Snail Stocking Part Two
Hello again,
Thanks for the response, I've got two in the 10 gallon right now (I had a
regular brown one in there, what I've seen called the 'wild-type' shell pattern,
then saw a little blue one shoved into one of the 'Betta cups' at Wal-Mart the
other day and decided it needed a home). The only other one I'm possibly
planning to add in the future is maybe the one from my 6g African dwarf frog
tank if any water problems develop there.
So far no problems with the 10g since adding the second mystery snail, other
than slightly elevated nitrates (25 rather than 20), but I think that's likely
due to overfeeding of the bottom feeders, or my trimming back a lot of the
Anacharis that's in there. I'm going to try adding a little duckweed (I know, it
takes over tanks. I read somewhere about someone making a 'corral' with airline
and airline clips to keep it within an area of their tank. So I'll see if that
works.) to pick up the extra nitrates. Plus I heard there's a chance the mystery
snails might like to nibble on it.
<Duckweed is an excellent way to suck up excess nutrients.>
I'll let you know if there's any problems with either level of snails in the
future.
On a different topic, since WWM's amphibian area is a bit sparse right now, I
thought I'd offer the following feeding idea, if you'd like to post it: One of
the biggest problems I had with African dwarf frogs was trying to get them to
eat before their food (frozen bloodworms) fell between the gravel, resulting in
hungry frogs and food polluting the water. So as a solution, I got a plastic
water bowl from the reptile section of PetSmart and half buried it under the
gravel. The plastic's a single piece of unpainted molded plastic, so I figure it
should be safe to use. Now I just squirt the defrosted bloodworms (mixed with
water from the tank) into the bowl with a turkey baster. The frogs swim
right over and start feasting, they've also taken to trying to nip at the turkey
baster if it's in the tank since they've figured out that's where food comes
from. Posted this idea on a few forums and the regulars seemed to like it, so
figured I'd pass it on incase it's of use to any of WWM's regular readers.
<Great idea, I have heard of something similar for feeding Corydoras live worms
that dig into the substrate before the fish get a chance to eat them. Thanks
for the info, best of luck, Gage>
Thanks again,
-Chris
Aquatic Frogs, offer of assistance
WWM Crew,
<Chris>
I saw an e-mail on the Daily FAQ page recently looking for African Clawed Frog
info, in which it was suggested to web search for the species given the lack of
printed material on them. If it will help, I'd like to offer the assistance of
Aquamaniacs on this topic. Among other topics, our forums have an Aquatic Frogs
forum for questions/discussion of African Clawed Frogs and African Dwarf Frogs
(I think I once saw an axolotl thread in the archives, but primarily the species
dealt with are ACFs and ADFs). Additionally, a aquatic frogs article/care sheet
is currently in the works (I believe it's in front of the editor at this time)
to offer recommendations for new owners as to tank conditions, food, etc. Wet
Web Media's been in the Aquamaniacs' links page for longer than I've been with
the forum, and I'm frequently referring folks to this site for info. I found WWM
before Aquamaniacs and appreciate all the good advice you've given me in
response to my questions in the past, as well as your excellent archives and
friendly responses to questions. If you'd like to post the links, Aquamaniacs is
located at http://www.aquamaniacs.net/ and
its forums are located at
http://pub36.ezboard.com/baquariumbbs
.
<Outstanding. Thank you for coming forward. Will share and post your listing on
the FAQs re>
If you wish, I'll send you an update to let you know when the aquatic frogs
article/care sheet is up incase you'd like to refer future new frog owners to
it.
<Please do so>
As noted in that e-mail I referred to earlier, there's unfortunately a lack of
information available on these species, dwarf frogs more than clawed ones, and
more and more stores seem to be selling them without providing any information,
or providing incorrect information (Wal-Mart, as of this summer, has started
selling them in the same little cups they sell Bettas in around here, for
example).
I hope this is of some help to you and to those looking for info on their frogs.
Sincerely,
Chris Sandusky (DonQuixote, moderator of Aquamaniacs' Aquatic Frogs forum)
<Again, thank you for your efforts. Bob Fenner>
Re: Aquatic Frogs, offer of assistance
Mr. Fenner,
<Mr. Sandusky>
Looks like I got to send you the update rather rapidly :) The article/care sheet
has just been posted at:
http://www.aquamaniacs.net/aquaticfrogs.html
<Ah, will update our links>
And although their names didn't get mentioned when the article got posted, I'd
like to note my thanks to Aquamaniacs' mrclint and fishmommy for their
reviewing, editing, and posting of the article, and thanks to LeslieLu for
photos (which were credited in the article itself).
<Duly noted>
Hope this is able to help out new owners of these two species. My personal
experience has just been with dwarf frogs (and admittedly I'm fairly new to them
myself, I purchased my first pair this summer), but I tried to find as much
relevant info on both species as I could and collect it in one location for this
article, erring on the side of caution when possible
<You are wise here>
(for example, I know a few sites suggest 1.5 gallons is enough for one or two
ADFs, but I'd really prefer the additional stability, and added swimming space
of 2-2.5 g each if possible). Some topics aren't covered, such as breeding, as I
figured those beyond the scope of what's intended as a beginner article /
general care sheet.
Sincerely,
Chris Sandusky
<Thank you, Bob Fenner>
Frogs
The letter below was posted by me to you. I have been trying to follow what you
told me in your response. I was able to get another 10 gallon tank as I have no
place for a larger one. I was moving the Dwarf Frogs and one jumped out of the
tank and was on the floor for about 5 - 10 minutes. I am not exactly sure. I was
so upset and put him in the tank quickly when I found him and he seemed ok. Now
he has something of a red bulge coming out of his bottom. I've never seen this
before. Will he be ok? Also. The two long skinny algae eaters passed away. I
think the other Gold fish ate the small Rosey Red. The fish have been acting so
aggressive over the last two days. The Black Moor seemed to try to bite the Frog
and the frog lunged at the Black Moor and the today I saw the Black Moor with a
mark on his side. I do not know what is going on. The long skinny Algae eater
was acting crazy so I took him out and isolated him in a fish bowl over night
and he was swimming so fast and then about 20 minutes later he was dead. I
am moving the goldfish to a colder spot and putting the Frogs and Shrimp in the
warmer area. Do you think this will be ok? Thanks, any help will be appreciated.
I am new at this. I've only ever had goldfish. but I do love these frogs.
>>Hello Yolanda; Have you tested your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate? I
am new to the crew, but Sabrina gave you some good advice, so I will try to
follow up on it. The fallen frog sounds like he has some internal injuries, you
will have to wait and see how he does. He may not make it if the injuries are
severe. I agree that all the animals should be separated, move the frogs away
from the goldfish, algae eaters too, and the shrimp and Rosy reds also. This is
quite the problem! I hope you are doing frequent partial water changes to keep
all the animals in good health. -Gwen<<
African dwarf frog or clawed injury?
<Hi, MikeD here>
today my female Betta who had been living in a 1/2 gallon bowl (no filtration)
died.<Sorry> I'm not sure how yet but I am taking the water into an aquarium
store to have it tested. she was maybe 3 mo.s old so it was really sudden...but
anyway I cleaned out the tank with hot water and all that good stuff. also in
the tank (I know its too small but she was lonely)<No. She was happy and YOU
thought she was lonely.> was a tiny African dwarf frog (or clawed-not sure).
they were happy together.<Unusual. Often Bettas will kill or maim small dwarf
clawed frogs, attempting to eat them.> but I decide that I didn't want ANY of
the old water back in the new tank so I picked him up (clean hands) and tried to
move him into another clean bowl temporarily. he escaped my grasp and jumped off
the kitchen counter onto the floor. in his confused pace I managed to scoop him
up and return him to the bowl.<Good> before that happened though he was
searching around for the Betta, but now he looks for her and seems to have like
the hiccups...but he shed like 4 days ago. he doesn't appear to be physically
injured. is my frog broken?<Possible, but not likely. The shedding of the
cuticle is a good sign> also if this is any help he may
have something wrong with his foot; there was another frog in the tank and the
other frog bit about 1/3 of his foot off and I've been looking after that.<Often
it's the Betta that bites the foot off.> I don't know if this affects his
weirdness.<NO, amphibians can be tough and heal amazingly.> I moved the frog
into another bowl with a male Betta but they get along and the male has never
even tried to hurt the frog at all...even when the frog kicked him in the
face... but can you please help my fallen frog?!?!?<I can't help him, but if you
quit putting him in with Bettas, YOU might. As a rule they are just too tempting
a tidbit, particularly in a small container. Not what you want to hear, I'm
sure, but it's the truth as I know it.>
Frog/Pleco/goldfish
Hello, I have a few questions. I recently just set up a 10 gallon tank, with 3
fantail goldfish, 1 Pleco, and an African dwarf frog. I bought algae wafers for
my Pleco, which I'm concerned that the goldfish are eating them instead.
the goldfish are also eating the frog food. I feed the frog the sinking
tadpole/frog pellets. I have heard that feeding bloodworms can actually make
the fish sick???
< Feeding bloodworms has been known to cause digestive problems in some fish. It
may be from overfeeding.>
I'm not sure how that all works but I was told that the frogs like frozen
bloodworms, so is it possible for the bloodworms to come alive after they have
been frozen??
< Once they are frozen then they are dead.>
I am looking for a substitute to feed my frog so I will have to deal with worms
of any sort...ugh. and I am also trying to find away for my Pleco and frog to
get food without the goldfish eating it all first.
please help!
< When you turn out the lights the goldfish will go to sleep and the Pleco will
come out to eat. So feed the algae wafers at night. Unfortunately I think the
goldfish may still find some of the wafers , even in the dark but it is worth a
try. Your frog is a carnivore and will require some sort of critter to feed on.
I suggest that you get some small earthworms and wash them and place them in
front of the frog. I am sure he will snatch them up right away and hide so the
goldfish won't get them.-Chuck>
Frog missing foot
I have two African dwarf frogs in a 2 and a half gallon tank. One is a female
and one male. At least that is what I think. I noticed today that my male is
missing his foot. Upon searching the tank to figure out what might have
happened, I noticed that my thermometer was broken on the top. I have no idea
how this happened. My main concern is that he will be okay and is not suffering.
I was worried that he will get infected. Please tell me what to do. Thanks.
< Years ago I had a newt in which my cichlids chewed off one of the feet. Keep
the area clean so it doesn't fungus. Furanace is a good drug to use if you
notice any cottony growth developing on it. It should soon heal up in a few
days.-Chuck.
Dwarf African frog with fungus 8/19/04
Bob and crew,
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
I am currently having a problem with a fungus affecting one of my dwarf African
frogs. I have a 2 gallon acrylic tank with a BioWheel power filter that houses
two dwarf African frogs and one immature guppy. Life has been good for a while
and the guppy has been growing pretty fast (had him since he was about 3/16"
long. For the past couple of days, the female frog has been hanging out at the
surface of the water, using a plastic plant to keep the front half of her body
out of the water. Normally both frogs stay on the bottom except when feeding or
getting air. I was concerned, but had no other symptoms to go off of, so I let
it go. Yesterday, I found that her right hind leg is covered in a white fuzz (a
fungus obviously) and she was not moving it. She also is not eating. I did an
immediate 50% water change with distilled water, and replaced the filter (with
carbon) just in case there was something in it affecting the water
quality. It's been 24 hours now and while it doesn't appear any worse, it also
doesn't appear better. The male frog and guppy are unaffected, but I don't have
a quarantine tank to put the female in. Assuming that the fungal outbreak was
caused by bad water conditions, how long should I watch for improvement before
resorting to medication of the tank? Otherwise, if I should medicate now, what
would you recommend for frogs?
<She may have scraped her foot (any sharp rocks?), leaving it open to
infection. I have had success with Melafix for this problem with aquatic frogs.
You can also use Pimafix in unison with Melafix, for a 1-2 punch. These
products are ok to use without quarantine, but remove the carbon. A water
change is a good idea. These should be done weekly. Distilled water isn't
necessary, just use lukewarm tap water (same temp as tank) & dechlorinator, for
water changes.>
Thanks for any help, David
<I hope she gets better soon! ~PP>
Injured Dwarf African Frog 10/24/04
Hello,
<hi, Pufferpunk here>
I have had an African dwarf frog for about four years. Tonight it seemed that
he may be stuck under a rock so I tried to lift it slightly (which I shouldn't
have done) and then it fell on one arm. The arm is now curled up, especially
the digits. He swims with some trouble now. I read that frogs repair themselves
very quickly. What is your opinion on this situation?
<I'm sorry your froggy is hurt. You're not the 1st one to injure your own frog
though. I once closed the lid on one of my tree frogs legs & cut it off it's
arm. Not only did his arm grow back, but every one of his suction cupped fingers
too! I think your frog will be fine, but I suggest adding Melafix for bacterial
infection preventative & fast healing.>
Thank you, Christie Bredenbeck
<I hope your frog is hopping again soon! ~PP>
Confused, poor grammar/spelling, and frogs
how do I know the difference between an African clawed frog and dwarf frog?
<Size, shape... that your other livestock are missing! Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/amphibfaqs.htm>
also when they are small like an inch, do they grow bigger?
<What? The Xenopus definitely do>
if so how big? I'm looking on info on a dwarf, I had a clawed, I had to get
another tank for it.
<I'll bet... Learn to capitalize proper nouns, use spaces, write in sentences,
please. Bob Fenner>
