Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) (origin: Venezuela, Colombia). Adult size around 3–4,5 cm. Life expectancy 6–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Dwarf Surinam toad: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×30×30 cm aquarium.
Dwarf Surinam toad: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 23–26 °C.
Dwarf Surinam toad: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Dwarf Surinam toad: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–10 years.
Dwarf Surinam toad: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 23–26 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- Fully aquatic
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×30×30 cm aquarium
- Substrate
- Sand, leaf litter, soft warm water, water 15–25 cm deep
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen food, tubifex, small earthworms
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 3–4,5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 6–10 years
- Origin
- Venezuela, Colombia
- 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 smallest Surinam toad, easily kept in species tanks and bred regularly. It needs warm, soft water and a gentle current.
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Related species
- Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) – Intermediate
- Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) – Expert
- 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 Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×30×30 cm aquarium), substrate (Sand, leaf litter, soft warm water, water 15–25 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_parva/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipa_parva
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).