Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I am new to the list and also to the world of African Dwarf Frogs. I have 2 in a 6 gallon tank with a filter. There are also 5 neon tetras and one snail in there. I feed the frogs Tetra bloodworms in nutrient gel and have the tank at about 70 degrees. I was feeding the guys this afternoon, and saw that one of them appears to have a missing right front "hand" ! The arm is there, and the end of the arm looks a little pink. He still is swimming to the top for air, and is not skinny. I noticed one of them floating along the bottom facing upwards, and it worried me. When I tapped on the tank, he turned over and swam around. I don't know if that was the same one that is now missing the hand, or not. I do know that yesterday, they both had all their parts and were not acting like anything was wrong. I have had the tank with the frogs, neons, and snail set up for about 2 weeks now. Could this guy be shedding? Is his hand folded up inside the old skin and I just can't see it? Help!

It sounds to me like he lost his hand somehow. Are you sure he had a hand when you got him? I don’t really see how he could have lost it to any of the inhabitants do described. ADFs do nip each other sometimes, but not this severely. He doubt have got caught in a filter, you might want to see if that is a hazard. Other than that, the only thing you can do now is watch him, and make sure it heals properly.
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0.0.5 Blue Dendrobates Auratus
3.2.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
2.2.0 Asian Floating Frogs (Occidozyga Lima)
1.1.0 White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

Hi,

Have a look at the picture below. This frog has one hand and copes very well, notice that there is no reddening, if your frog hand reddening then I would treat it for anti-fungus.

Chris.

Sadly, poor Nerbert (my frog with the missing hand) died shortly after I posted the first message. Clementine, his tank-mate, seems to be doing okay, no signs of illness.

Hi,

Sorry about your loss. I hope clementine stays well.

Chris.