Surinam toad (Pipa pipa)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) (origin: The Amazon basin). Adult size around 10–17 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Surinam toad: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×50×50 cm aquarium.
Surinam toad: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 22–25 °C.
Surinam toad: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Surinam toad: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Surinam toad: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- Aquatic
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×50×50 cm aquarium
- Substrate
- Water 30–40 cm deep, soft water, roots, subdued light
Feeding
- Food
- Fish, earthworms, frozen food
- Feeding interval
- adults 2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 10–17 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- The Amazon basin
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- A pair or a small 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
Fully aquatic, extremely flat and camouflaged like a leaf. Famous for its brood care: the young develop in pockets in the female's back. It needs soft, clean water and quiet – demanding.
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Related species
- Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) – Intermediate
- 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
- Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×50×50 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 30–40 cm deep, soft water, roots, subdued light), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipa_pipa, https://reptilescove.com/care/frogs/surinam
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).