The African Dwarf Frog is a completely aquatic frog that spends most of its time underwater. It can be seen swimming up to the surface from time to time.
What exactly is it doing up there? It is actually breathing in the fresh air. But then you will find this frog spending the majority of its time underwater.
How are these frogs able to stay underwater for so long if they need air? Well, their lungs are designed so that they can stay beneath the surface for an extended period of time.
Let’s find out how long an African Dwarf Frog can actually hold its breath underwater if it can live out of the water, and some more interesting things about its breathing.
How do African Dwarf Frogs breathe?
Despite being aquatic creatures, these amphibians don’t have gills; they have lungs that require oxygen from the air. These frogs breathe in air while on the surface. Therefore, they can often be seen on the water’s surface.
The African Dwarf Frogs can also breathe through their skin, which they do underwater.
How long can African Dwarf Frogs manage to hold their breath?
Being aquatic species, the African Dwarf Frogs can spend an extended period of time underwater. Since they also require oxygen from the air, they stay submerged, holding their breath for four to seven hours before they emerge on the surface to breathe in the air again.
Can African Dwarf Frogs live out of water?
The African Dwarf Frogs can live out of water for only a brief period of time. If exposed to dry conditions, they dry out themselves very quickly. They come out of the water only to breathe in air. Once they have enough air in their lungs, they tend to immediately submerge themselves back underwater.
How long can African Dwarf Frogs actually live outside of water? Since these frogs are completely aquatic, they can’t survive outside the water for longer than 20 minutes. If the humidity is low, it will not even last that long.
Interesting Facts about African Dwarf Frogs’ Breathing
Do African Dwarf Frogs need to come up for air?
These frogs often come up to the surface and float. This is common behavior for them. If you see them up on the water’s surface, it is because they are out of oxygen and require breathing in air.
However, if you see them on the surface all the time, this is a sign that something is wrong. The frog might be feeling unwell and want to venture out of the aquarium.
Can African Dwarf Frogs breathe on land?
Indeed, they can. However, as soon as they have taken in enough oxygen, they quickly dive back underwater to not risk drying out, as this can be fatal to them because of their aquatic nature.
How do African Dwarf Frogs sleep if they need air?
You’ll often find these frogs floating on the surface with their eyes shut. Since they breathe through their skin, they must remain on the water’s surface to breathe.
How often do African Dwarf Frogs need to come up for air?
Usually every quarter of an hour. This is dependent on the size of the individual frog. The larger the animal, the larger the size of its lungs. And larger lungs lead to longer periods of submersion.
Wrapping Up
If you see your pet African Dwarf Frogs on the surface of the aquarium all the time, you should be worried. It might indicate that your beloved pet is ill or even close to passing away. In this situation, you must make sure that your frog is healthy and examine the tank’s conditions because the water may contain substances that are harmful to your frog.
