Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) (origin: Eastern Brazil). Adult size around 4–6 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Carvalho's Surinam toad: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×30×30 cm aquarium.
Carvalho's Surinam toad: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 22–25 °C.
Carvalho's Surinam toad: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Carvalho's Surinam toad: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Carvalho's Surinam toad: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- Fully aquatic
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×30×30 cm aquarium
- Substrate
- Sand, leaf litter, roots, soft water, water 20–30 cm deep
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen food, earthworms, tubifex
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 4–6 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Brazil
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- A group. 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
The female carries the eggs in skin pockets on her back – fully formed young frogs hatch from them. Markedly smaller and easier to keep than Pipa pipa.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) – Expert
- Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) – Intermediate
- African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) – Beginner
- Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) – Intermediate
- Edible frog (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) – Intermediate
- Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) – Beginner
- Dwarf clawed frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) – Beginner
- Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×30×30 cm aquarium), substrate (Sand, leaf litter, roots, soft water, water 20–30 cm deep), a heat source with a thermostat, 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: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pipa_carvalhoi/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carvalho%27s_Surinam_toad, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274783852_Carrying_Progeny_on_the_Back_Reproduction_in_the_Brazilian_Aquatic_Frog_Pipa_carvalhoi
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).