Could Xenopus Laevis and Xenopus Tropicalis live in the same tank for the first few months?

[tgampper]

According to The Laboratory Xenopus sp., by Sherril Green, X.l. should be kept at a temperature between 17-24(C), and X.t. between 24-25(C). Anything above 30(C) is lethal to both. X.t. is quite a bit smaller in size than X.l.. It is interesting to note that there is a difference of opinion concerning which genus tropicalis should be in. Evolutionary biologists prefer Silurana while the developmental biologists prefer Xenopus. You will find that the tropicalis mature and breed in about half the time as laevis.

It has been suggested that tropicalis is more closely related to the dwarf clawed frogs (Hymrnochirus) and the South American Pipa than the true clawed frogs. Seems like this species confirms the Africa-South America connection.

[Necromencer]

According to The Laboratory Xenopus sp., by Sherril Green, X.l. should be kept at a temperature between 17-24(C), and X.t. between 24-25(C). Anything above 30(C) is lethal to both. X.t. is quite a bit smaller in size than X.l.. It is interesting to note that there is a difference of opinion concerning which genus tropicalis should be in. Evolutionary biologists prefer Silurana while the developmental biologists prefer Xenopus. You will find that the tropicalis mature and breed in about half the time as laevis.

It has been suggested that tropicalis is more closely related to the dwarf clawed frogs (Hymrnochirus) and the South American Pipa than the true clawed frogs. Seems like this species confirms the Africa-South America connection.

Vastly interesting. I have my Tropicalis tank set at 26'C, during the day it rises one (very rarely two), I've never seen it go more than 30'C.

Based on your comment, would getting a dwarf frog be best? I've just set up a 55g long tank, I've got plenty of room for more frogs, I just don't know which ones yet. (it's looking like a species only tank at the moment, but a tiny bit of variety would be nice)

[mpmistr]

Forgive me if I am not understanding correctly but I do not think it would be wise to mix Xenopus and Hymenochirus; tropicalis is more closely related to hymenochirus but I think it's predatory nature is more closely related to Xenopus. Which means, very good chance an X. Tropicalis would eat an african dwarf frog given half a chance.

Unless I am way way off on the size of X. Tropicalis it should still be considerably larger than a dwarf frog and I am almost certain it will be more aggressive, powerful, and far more predatory.

[rodsboys]

I am shocked that your tank gets to 30 degrees (89 F). I assume that is just room temperature there? I have been to Spain a few times and it was always hot, but I have only been there in the summer.

[tgampper]

Based on your comment, would getting a dwarf frog be best? I've just set up a 55g long tank, I've got plenty of room for more frogs, I just don't know which ones yet. (it's looking like a species only tank at the moment, but a tiny bit of variety would be nice)

I agree that keeping Xenopus and Hymenochirus together is not a good idea, simply because Xenopus is much larger and more agressive. Jen has experience with several species of Xenopus and I agree with her that X.l. and X.t. can coexist.

[Necromencer]

I'd like to revive this somewhat old topic. Both my Laevis and Tropicalis are fully grown. Female Laevis are at least 3/4 bigger than male Tropicalis. This sometimes worries me, as it looks like the female could do a lot of damage given the chance. Luckily enough, I've had the tank 6 months now and I have seen no violence at all. All frogs cohabit peacefully. I have also noticed that Tropicalis are a lot more accurate when it comes to eating food, whereas Laevis are lot more 'dosy' and take a lot long to find food. In addition, Tropicalis use thier claws, which are a lot more prominent, more often when dealing with larger food (worms, larvae).

I'd also like to point out that Laevis seem to have a more developed eye-sight (I think), at any rate, they are able to register a laser from a laser-thermometer, while Tropicalis cannot.

I have to be honest, I do fear sometimes that the larger female may do something to the young male, but I haven't seen anything as of yet that makes these worries legitimate

[rodsboys]

What temperature are you keeping them at?
I have heard stories of female Laevis trying to eat adult male Laevis after years of living together. There is no way to determine if and when your little guy could be a snack, but the chance is always there.

[Mentat]

If you worry your larger female X. laevis will eat the smaller X. tropicalis male; then separate the species. You can't predict what a frog will do and you have a risk to evaluate. Either live with the risk and prepare for any loses, or eliminate the risk by separating them, your choice .

[Necromencer]

I'm aware of the risk. At any rate, the worst possible outcome would be eating limbs. At the moment, I don't think the male could fit in the mouth of the female, but who knows, they like to eat anything.

I am prepared for the worst, separating isn't really an option unless I find the female Laevis a better home (which is unlikely in the city I live in). The tank is big enough for them to move about and for the little one to swim away given the chance. Also, if they are well fed, do they have reason to attack and eat sponteanously?



Temp is 25'C, may drop 1'c during the night. Here is a picture for comparison, the Tropicalis male is the one on the far right, the two female Laevis are the two first on the left.