African Dwarf Frog With Cichlids – Selecting The Right Cichlids

Written ByHoward Parker

Let’s be honest for a moment. If you ask ten different aquarists about keeping an african dwarf frog with cichlids, you’ll probably get nine warnings and one very hesitant “maybe.” It’s a common belief in the hobby that this pairing is a recipe for disaster, and for the most part, that wisdom holds true. Cichlids are often seen as the bullies of the freshwater world, while African Dwarf Frogs are peaceful, slow-moving, and nearly blind.

But what if I told you it can be done? What if there was a way to create a vibrant, active, and peaceful community tank that features both of these incredible creatures? The secret isn’t in some magic formula, but in careful, informed selection and setup.

I promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll bust the myths, highlight the specific cichlids that make great tank mates, and give you the exact blueprint for a harmonious aquarium. Forget the horror stories—let’s unlock the potential for a truly unique and beautiful tank.

The Big Question: Is It a Good Idea to Keep African Dwarf Frogs with Cichlids?

Before we dive into the “how,” we need to understand the “why” and “why not.” The primary challenge in keeping an african dwarf frog with cichlids comes down to a fundamental clash of personalities and needs. It’s a classic case of opposites that don’t always attract.

Most cichlids are territorial, intelligent, and aggressive, especially when it comes to food. They are fast swimmers with keen eyesight. African Dwarf Frogs (often called ADFs), on the other hand, are the exact opposite. They are placid, spend most of their time ambling along the bottom, and rely on their sense of smell to find food because their vision is notoriously poor.

When you place a delicate, slow-moving ADF in a tank with a large, aggressive cichlid like an Oscar, a Jack Dempsey, or most African Rift Lake cichlids (like Mbuna), the outcome is tragically predictable. The frog will be outcompeted for food, stressed, nipped, or even seen as a potential meal. This is why the general advice is a hard “no.”

However, the cichlid family is massive and incredibly diverse! The key to success is to ignore the big bullies and focus exclusively on a small subset of fish known as dwarf cichlids and other notably peaceful species. These are the exceptions that prove the rule.

The “Yes” List: Cichlids That Can Live with African Dwarf Frogs

Here is where our journey truly begins. Selecting the right species is the single most important step in this entire process. This isn’t a mix-and-match situation; it’s a carefully curated community. The following are some of the best, and in many cases only, cichlids you should ever consider for this pairing. This is the core of our african dwarf frog with cichlids guide.

German Blue Rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

These stunning little fish are a hobbyist favorite for a reason. They are breathtakingly beautiful, stay small (around 2-3 inches), and are relatively peaceful. They tend to occupy the mid-to-bottom levels of the tank, so while they will share space with your frogs, they are rarely aggressive enough to cause harm.

Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)

Think of the Bolivian Ram as the hardier, slightly more subdued cousin of the German Blue Ram. They are a bit larger and less colorful but are known for being exceptionally peaceful and more forgiving of water parameters. This makes them an excellent choice, especially for those new to keeping dwarf cichlids.

Keyhole Cichlids (Cleithracara maronii)

If there’s one cichlid built for a peaceful community tank, it’s the Keyhole. They are famously shy and non-aggressive. Instead of confronting tank mates, their first instinct is to flee and hide. Their gentle nature makes them a near-perfect cichlid companion for your slow-moving frogs.

Kribensis Cichlids (Pelvicachromis pulcher)

Here we add a small warning. Kribs are fantastic, colorful, and fascinating dwarf cichlids. For most of the time, they are peaceful. However, when they breed, they become fiercely territorial and will defend their cave and fry from anything that moves, including a clueless frog. You can keep them together, but only in a larger tank (30+ gallons) with tons of caves and hiding spots to give everyone their space.

Cichlids to Absolutely Avoid

To ensure success, it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Steer clear of:

  • Large American Cichlids: Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Green Terrors, Convicts.
  • Most African Rift Lake Cichlids: Mbuna, Peacocks, and Frontosa will be far too aggressive.
  • Angelfish: While sometimes kept with ADFs, adult Angelfish are large enough to easily eat a frog, and it’s a risk not worth taking.

Crafting a Peaceful Habitat: Your Tank Setup Guide

Once you’ve chosen your cichlid, creating the right environment is the next critical step. A well-designed tank minimizes stress and prevents conflict before it starts. Following these african dwarf frog with cichlids best practices will set you up for success.

Tank Size Matters (A Lot!)

Do not attempt this pairing in a small tank. We recommend a minimum of a 20-gallon long aquarium, but a 30-gallon or larger is significantly better. More space means more territories, which reduces the chances of negative interactions. A larger water volume also helps maintain stable water parameters.

The Importance of Hiding Spots

This is non-negotiable. Your tank needs to be heavily decorated to provide security for your frogs. Think of it as breaking up the line of sight.

  • Caves and Coconuts: Provide multiple small caves for both the cichlids and the frogs.
  • Driftwood: Creates a natural look and offers complex structures for hiding.
  • Dense Planting: Live or silk plants are perfect. Plant heavily in corners and the background to create a safe zone where your frogs can retreat. Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Swords are great, easy options.

Substrate Selection

African Dwarf Frogs have delicate skin that can be easily scratched. Opt for a soft substrate like sand or very fine, smooth gravel. This also makes it easier for them to forage for any leftover food bits that sink to the bottom.

Water Parameters for Harmony

Fortunately, ADFs and the recommended dwarf cichlids have very similar needs. This makes things much easier!

  • Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (stable is more important than a specific number)
  • Filtration: Use a filter with a gentle outflow. A strong current can be stressful for ADFs, who are not powerful swimmers. A sponge filter or a hang-on-back filter with an adjustable flow is ideal.

Feeding Time: Avoiding Competition and Ensuring Everyone Eats

This is one of the most common problems with african dwarf frog with cichlids. Dwarf cichlids are fast and will gobble up food before your nearly-blind frog even knows it’s there. You must have a dedicated feeding strategy.

A Pro Feeding Strategy

Don’t just dump food in and hope for the best. Follow this two-step process:

  1. Distract the Cichlids: Drop a small amount of flake or floating pellet food on one side of the tank. Your active cichlids will immediately swarm that area.
  2. Target-Feed the Frogs: While the cichlids are busy, use a turkey baster or a pair of aquarium tongs to deliver sinking food directly in front of your frogs on the opposite side of the tank. They will quickly learn to associate the baster with mealtime!

What to Feed Your Mixed Community

A varied diet is key to the health of both your fish and frogs. Focus on high-quality foods.

  • For the Frogs: Sinking frog pellets, frozen (and thawed) bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are all excellent choices.
  • For the Dwarf Cichlids: A high-quality cichlid pellet or flake, supplemented with the same frozen foods you give your frogs.

Common Problems with African Dwarf Frogs and Cichlids (And How to Solve Them)

Even with the best planning, you might run into a few issues. Don’t worry! Here’s how to troubleshoot some common challenges.

Problem: My Cichlid is Nipping at My Frog!

Solution: This is a clear sign of stress or territorial aggression. First, assess your tank. Is it large enough? Are there enough hiding spots? Often, adding more plants or another piece of driftwood can solve the problem by breaking lines of sight. If the behavior is from a breeding pair (especially Kribensis), it may be temporary. If it persists, you may need to separate them for the frog’s safety.

Problem: My Frogs Look Skinny and Aren’t Eating.

Solution: This is almost certainly a food competition issue. Double down on your target-feeding strategy. Make sure you are placing the food right in front of them and that they are actively eating it. Watch for a few minutes to ensure the cichlids don’t swoop in and steal it after you’ve moved away.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Best Practices

A truly beautiful aquarium is also a responsible one. When planning your tank, consider these sustainable african dwarf frog with cichlids tips.

Choose captive-bred animals whenever possible. This reduces the pressure on wild populations and ensures you get healthier, hardier animals accustomed to aquarium life. Many dwarf cichlids, like German Blue Rams and Kribensis, are widely bred in captivity.

Incorporate live plants! They act as natural filters, oxygenate the water, and help create a stable ecosystem, which can reduce the need for large, frequent water changes. This is a simple, eco-friendly african dwarf frog with cichlids practice that benefits everyone in the tank.

Frequently Asked Questions About African Dwarf Frogs with Cichlids

Can African Dwarf Frogs live with Angelfish?

We strongly advise against it. While Angelfish are cichlids, they grow quite large. A full-grown Angelfish can easily fit an adult African Dwarf Frog in its mouth, and they often will. It’s a risk that is simply not worth taking for the frog’s well-being.

How many African Dwarf Frogs should I keep together?

African Dwarf Frogs are social creatures and do best in groups. We recommend keeping a minimum of three together. This helps them feel more secure and you’ll get to see more of their interesting natural behaviors.

What are the first signs of stress in African Dwarf Frogs?

Key signs include frantic swimming up and down the glass, constantly hiding and refusing to come out, refusing food, or developing red, blotchy skin or fungal infections like Chytrid, which can be triggered by stress.

Do I need a lid on my tank for these frogs?

Yes, absolutely! African Dwarf Frogs are fully aquatic but breathe air from the surface. In a moment of panic, they can and will jump out of an open-top aquarium. A secure lid is a must-have for their safety.

Your Blueprint for a Harmonious Tank

So, can you keep an african dwarf frog with cichlids? The answer is a resounding yes—with the right knowledge and preparation. It’s not a combination for a brand-new aquarist, but by choosing peaceful dwarf cichlids, providing a large and complex environment, and mastering a targeted feeding routine, you can create a truly captivating aquarium.

Remember the keys to success: select your cichlids wisely, give them plenty of space with lots of hiding spots, and ensure your gentle frogs get their fair share at mealtime. This isn’t just about two species coexisting; it’s about building a thriving, balanced ecosystem in your own home.

Now you have the complete african dwarf frog with cichlids care guide. Go forth and create something beautiful. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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