Carvalho's Surinam Toad

Overview

Carvalho's Surinam Toad (Pipa carvalhoi) is a aquatic frog native to South America. A small, fully aquatic frog related to the Surinam toad, with a flattened body.

Care level: Advanced. Toxicity: Low.

History & Origin

The Pipidae (Aquatic Frogs) is naturally distributed across South America, where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.

Appearance & Size

Carvalho's Surinam Toad is a 4–7 cm aquatic frog.

Temperament

Aquatic frogs are almost entirely water-dwelling, peaceful and undemanding to watch; they are poor climbers and must never be kept with large or predatory tankmates.

Care & Husbandry

Aquatic frogs need an aquarium with clean, well-filtered water, gentle flow and a land area they can rest on. Feed sinking pellets, bloodworms and small live foods; perform regular water changes and avoid strong currents or deep drops they cannot climb out of.

This species is generally rated Advanced in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity Carvalho's Surinam Toad typically lives 8–12 years. Aquatic frogs commonly live 5–15 years. Skin and bacterial infections arise from poor water quality; perform regular water changes and avoid overcrowding.

Popularity & Recognition

The African clawed frog was historically a laboratory model organism and remains a common, hardy aquarium amphibian; the Surinam toad is famous for carrying eggs in its back skin.