Sick ACF

[tgampper]

Xenopus laevis are very sensitive to changes in water temperature. Most people keep these frogs at a temperature between 69(F) and 72(F). Lethal temperature >86(F). I kept many Xenopus at room temperature for nearly 30 years without incident.

Water temperature has a profound effect on water quality. For example, dissolved oxygen levels decrease as water temperature increases. Un-ionized ammonia levels increase as water temperature increases.

Abrupt changes in temperature >8(F) are not tolerated and may result in heat shock.

I live in Nebraska and we are experiencing very hot and humid weather. So far my frogs are doing well. You may want add cooler water more often - lowering the temperature by 3-4 degrees each week until the temperature levels out at 72(F). Water chemistry is very important, so you may want to invest in a freshwater test kit. Good luck

[jessiep]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think it was the heat and water temp.

I managed to get the water temperature down and she is still alive, thank goodness. She is not eating as much as she used to but I have seen her eat. She is also not swimming as actively as she used to but she does move from spot to spot and come up for air. I will be sure to monitor the water temp and chemistry closely and I sure hope she will eventually return to her normal self. Also, we have decided to invest in a higher BTU air conditioner before next summer since we were all pretty miserable during that heat wave. Not only was I concerned about the frogs but I was worried about the cats as well and wetting them down with water as much as they would allow me to.