American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) (origin: Eastern North America). Adult size around 5–10 cm (females noticeably larger than males). Life expectancy a good 10 years in the terrarium, considerably more with very good care (documented record 36 years); in the wild usually only a few years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
American toad: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm for one or two animals, 90×45×45 cm from three animals.
American toad: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 18–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 12–18 °C.
American toad: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
American toad: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: a good 10 years in the terrarium, considerably more with very good care (documented record 36 years); in the wild usually only a few years.
American toad: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 18–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–18 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 50–80 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm for one or two animals, 90×45×45 cm from three animals
- Substrate
- Forest floor with leaf litter, a bark hide, a shallow water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Earthworms, house crickets, crickets
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 5–10 cm (females noticeably larger than males)
- Life expectancy
- a good 10 years in the terrarium, considerably more with very good care (documented record 36 years); in the wild usually only a few years
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 4–10 °C
- Cohabitation
- A group is possible. Only put together animals of the same species and roughly the same size — smaller ones will otherwise be treated as food. Offer enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed them separately when they differ in size.
Notes
A very long-lived toad, to be kept moderately cool. Simulating winter promotes health and reproduction. A good way into keeping toads.
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Related species
- African common toad (Sclerophrys regularis) – Beginner
- Cane toad (Rhinella marina) – Beginner
- Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) – Beginner
- Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius) – Intermediate
- Common toad (Bufo bufo) – Beginner
- Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) – Intermediate
- European green toad (Bufotes viridis) – Intermediate
- Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm for one or two animals, 90×45×45 cm from three animals), substrate (Forest floor with leaf litter, a bark hide, a shallow water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, amphibiancare.com, animaldiversity.org (ADW, University of Michigan), dubiaroaches.com, einrichtungsbeispiele.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).