Dwarf African Clawed Frog

Hymenochirus curtipe

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

Dwarf African Clawed Frogs are native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species' natural habitats include subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, rivers, freshwater lakes, and marshes. Dwarf African Clawed Frogs are small, have short claws on their hind feet, and can change color, from olive green to brown.

Did You Know?

Dwarf African Clawed Frogs can change color from olive green to brown.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

Wild populations of Dwarf African Clawed Frogs appear to be thriving.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a Dwarf African Clawed Frog, ask for proof that it is captive bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.

Invasion Threat Fair Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Some Cause for Concern

Dwarf African Clawed Frogs are common in ornamental garden ponds throughout the United States, but so far there is no evidence that the species has established populations in the wild. Dwarf African Clawed Frogs have been known to carry the infectious fungus Chytridiomycosis, which can kill native amphibian species if infection spreads to other frogs.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before obtaining a Dwarf African Clawed Frog, make sure that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Best Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Little Cause for Concern

There is no evidence that Dwarf African Clawed Frogs are mistreated in the legal pet trade.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Dwarf African Clawed Frog, ask for proof that the animal was bred or collected by a professional wildlife dealer with a permit to sell the animal. Given the lack of oversight, animals in the illegal wildlife trade may be mistreated.

Health Threat Worst Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Significant Cause for Concern

Dwarf African Clawed Frogs are known carriers of the highly infectious amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease Chytridiomycosis. This species is immune to Bd, but the fungus is a significant threat to most frog species. Bd has been linked to massive die-offs and recent extinctions of native frogs around the world. Captive-bred Dwarf African Clawed Frogs in California have been found to be infected with Bd. The species' release into ornamental garden ponds throughout the United States in the late 1980s may have facilitated the spread of the fungus to native amphibians.

Frogs may also carry Salmonella, which if ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Dwarf African Clawed Frog, ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received. The fungal disease Chytridiomycosis may be harmful to the health of your frog and native frogs. We recommend treating your frog to prevent infection at the time of purchase using an over the counter antifungal. Please see the Terbinafine Hydrochloride Treatment at for details. To learn more about Chytridiomycosis and the symptoms of disease, we recommend reviewing the information on Amphibian Ark.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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