In 2009, my class adopted Lily Pad and Pebbles, two Dwarf African Frogs.
After a few months, we moved them from the small 5 x 4 x 3 inch enclosed
rectangular prism in which they first lived, to a larger fish tank.
Our class learned that frogs are carnivores, and just to prove it to us,these
frogs actually ate the snail that was living with them!
So our class decided that the small pellets we were instructed to
feed our frogs were not enough food for both of them.
Once we increased their food supply - they increased in size too!
We are careful not to overfeed them. They eat every other day.
They have lived with me at home over the past two summers, and they continue
to be happy and active.
Unlike the frogs with which we are most familiar, Dwarf African frogs never
come out of the water - so students cannot hold or pet the frogs. However,
they are fun to watch as they zoom around the tank. Sometimes, they are very
still and students become concerned when they notice that they are not moving
at all, just floating. Fear not! They are not dead! They are just relaxing
in a very "Zen" like way!
African frogs do not have gills, so they have to come to the surface to grab
a gulp of air. However, they can stay submerged for long periods of time, so
a gentle tap on the side of the tank can reassure everyone that they really
are fine!
This year's class has voted to name our frogs: Coke and Pepsi !
