Surinam Toad

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

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A leaf with fingertips

Surinam toads, Pipa pipa, are fully aquatic frogs from northern South America. Adults are about 4 to 8 inches, flattened, and mottled like debris. The fingers end in little stars that sense movement. There is no tongue. Prey is sucked in. People return them to the shop because "it just sits there." Sitting there, underwater, looking like trash, is the entire hunting strategy.

The quick facts list 7 to 10 years, 75 to 82°F, a 20-gallon or larger aquatic tank, and advanced care. They need still or gently filtered water, a sand or bare bottom where they can rest, and a lid. They are not strong swimmers in a river current. A powerhead aimed at the body is unkind.

Food sinks, tankmates disappear

Earthworms, bloodworms, shrimp, and small fish match the diet line. Drop food where the toad is. It will not chase pellets across the room. Anything else alive in the tank is either food or a nipper that will damage those sensory fingertips. Keep one species, and be careful about keeping two toads if one is much smaller.

Reproduction is the fact everyone has heard. During a somersaulting embrace, eggs are implanted in the female's back and grow in skin pockets until froglets pop out. It is not a trick you should force with stressed, wild-caught animals. Most keepers will simply never see it, and that is fine.

Dirty water is the killer

These toads look tough and die of bad water. Test ammonia. A red belly, floating, or a toad that no longer lunges at a worm needs a clinic, not a new decoration. ARAV is the list. The checker and the appetite page cover the wait-or-go question. Expect about $30 to $80 for the toad and $150 to $300 for a wide, warm tank. Advanced means you already know how to keep water boring and clean.

Surinam toad questions

Is a Surinam toad supposed to look dead?

They are flat, mottled, and still. That is the ambush shape, not a sick fish. Star-shaped fingertips and a square body are the animal, Pipa pipa.

How do they breed?

Eggs are pressed into the skin of the female's back and develop in pockets. Fully formed froglets emerge. You will not see a clump of spawn stuck to a plant.

Do they have tongues?

No. They suction food from the water. Earthworms, bloodworms, shrimp, and small fish are the diet in the quick facts. Flakes on the surface are useless.

How long do Surinam toads live?

About 7 to 10 years in a warm, clean aquatic tank of 20 gallons or more. They are an advanced animal because the water and the weirdness both have to be tolerated.