Amphibian
Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frog
Hymenochirus boettgeriAlso known as Congo Dwarf Clawed Frog, Boettger's Dwarf Clawed Frog, African Dwarf Frog
These fully aquatic, tongueless amphibians spend their lives submerged in quiet rainforest pools, relying on sensitive lateral line systems rather than eyesight to detect passing prey. Lacking a tongue, they lunge forward and use tiny webbed fingers to guide live insect larvae directly into their mouths. Males produce quiet, buzzing clicks underwater during breeding displays to summon mates in murky, leaf-choked shallows.
AquaticNocturnalAmphibian
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMosquito larvae, Bloodworms, Water fleas
Predators
- Predatory fish
- Water snakes
- Aquatic wading birds
ThreatsDeforestation, agricultural runoff, water pollution, and chytrid fungus
HabitatsShallow rainforest pools, stagnant swamps, and slow-moving streams
Life span5–8 years
Classification
- FamilyPipidae
- SpeciesHymenochirus boettgeri
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Aquarium Care: Maintain secure lid seals because they can easily climb out through small gaps.
- Handling: Keep out-of-water handling to a minimum to prevent fatal skin dehydration.
- Observation: Search near leaf litter at dusk when feeding activity peaks.
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family (c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-bySame Family
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.