African Dwarf Frogs

Question
I've got 2 of these little froggies in a 1 gallon aquarium.  I have had them for about 4 months now, and they are so cute and fun to watch!  However, I do notice that every now and then they get pale in color.  They still eat regularly and there is not much change in movement when they are pale.  I have seen varying ideas on the internet when I've searched for answers; including that they have the ability to adapt in color to their surroundings, that they may have a disease, or that they are stressed.  What is the RIGHT answer?  I just want to make sure I am treating my little guys right.

Thank you in advance!!!

Gena :)

Answer
Hi Gena;

They are probably getting ready to shed their skins when they turn pale. They usually eat the skin so you may never even see it happen. It could also be the water temperature. They like to be in the mid to upper 70's (fahrenheit). If it drops below 70 they do get pale. Clean water helps them stay in good color too. I would change 25% of the tank every week if it has a filter. Change 100% every week with no filter. Use a water conditioner and be sure the new water is the same temperature as the old water. Frogs are sensitive to chemicals and temperature changes like fish are.

Here is more info on dwarf frogs;

http://allaboutfrogs.org/info/mypets/dwarfs.html
http://mike-edwardes.members.beeb.net/Amphibiary/Hymenochirus.html#1
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/frog4.htm#dwarf

A yahoo group about dwarf frogs;
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanDwarfFrogs/

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins