
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bufo japonicus
A Japanese endemic toad native to southwestern Japan. It reaches 17.6 cm, secretes bufotoxin from its parotoid glands, and depends on water less than almost any other amphibian.
Bufo japonicus is endemic to Japan, native from southern Kinki west of the Suzuka Mountains through the Sanyo region, Shikoku, Kyushu and Yakushima. Adults are 7-17.6 cm, brown to reddish brown, usually with red spots along the flanks. Its small tympanum, separated from the eye by about its own diameter, distinguishes it from the eastern form. It occupies lowland and montane forest and grassland as well as farmland, parks and gardens, and copes well with urbanisation. Nocturnal, it shelters under stones and fallen wood by day. Toads depend on water far less than most amphibians, and adults stay away from it outside the breeding season. It secretes bufotoxin from the parotoid glands; the tiger keelback snake is resistant and stores the toxin in its own nuchal glands. Breeding is explosive, with many toads gathering briefly at a pond to lay 6,000-14,000 eggs in strings. Introduced populations in Tokyo and Sendai now hybridise with the native eastern toad, which is a conservation concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japanese Common Toad lives 3-8 years.
The Japanese Common Toad grows to 7-17.6cm.
Origin
Endemic to Japan (southern Kinki west of the Suzuka Mountains, Sanyo, Shikoku, Kyushu and Yakushima; introduced to Tokyo and Sendai)
Lifespan
3-8 years
Size
Sources: Wikipedia (Japanese) / Wikipedia (English) / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Bufo japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1838
Synonyms: Bufo bufo japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1838, Bufo japonicus formosus Boulenger, 1883, Bufo vulgaris japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1838
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Domestic law: This species is not designated as either a designated alien species or a special animal, but introduced individuals in Tokyo and Sendai are hybridizing with native Asian toads, and release of captive individuals into the wild causes genetic disturbance.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List / Wikipedia (Japanese)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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7-17.6cm
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Insects and earthworms
No reliable primary source giving specific keeping temperature or humidity figures could be confirmed, so none are stated. As a Japanese native it is kept close to local ambient conditions.
Terrestrial and barely dependent on water, so use a wide enclosure with deep substrate. Provide a damp area it can burrow into and a shallow dish it can sit in.
Carnivorous, taking insects and earthworms, and fed after lights out. It grows large and puts on weight easily, so watch portion sizes.
Slow-moving and timid. When disturbed it inflates and hunkers down. It is not a species for handling.
It secretes bufotoxin from the parotoid glands, so wash your hands after handling and keep them away from eyes and mouth. Introduced animals already hybridise with the eastern toad in Tokyo, so never release it outdoors.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The average lifespan of Japanese Common Toad is 3-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Common Toad typically reaches 7-17.6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Common Toad feeds on: Insects and earthworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Common Toad varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026