
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pipa pipa
A fully aquatic frog of the murky still waters of northern South America. Its flattened body and triangular head mimic a dead leaf, and lacking a tongue it inhales prey with suction. Females are famous for embedding their eggs in the skin of the back and releasing fully formed froglets.
Pipa pipa is the largest fully aquatic member of the family Pipidae, ranging across northern South America, mainly the Amazon basin, and onto Trinidad. Males reach 15.4 cm and females 17.1 cm. The body is extremely depressed with a broad triangular head, and the species has neither tongue nor tympanum. Each front fingertip is divided into four small lobes that sense prey by touch. It is an ambush predator that inhales prey together with a rush of water, and its flat brown body mimics a dead leaf or piece of rotting wood in turbid water. The female embeds fertilised eggs in the thickened skin of her back and releases fully metamorphosed froglets after four to five months. It is kept in an aquarium at about 23-25 C. Wild habitat is soft acidic water, but captives do well at near-neutral pH. Feed earthworms and small fish, and keep filtration steady, as stable water quality is the key to long-term success.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Surinam Toad lives About 7 years on average in captivity.
The Surinam Toad grows to 15-17cm.
The ideal temperature for the Surinam Toad is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Northern South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela) and Trinidad
Lifespan
Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Caring For The Surinam Underwater Toad / Animal Diversity Web: Pipa pipa / Wikipedia (English)
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: Pipa pipa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Pipa americana Laurenti, 1768, Pipa surinamensis Cuvier, 1849, Bufo pipa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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About 7 years on average in captivity
Size
15-17cm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Earthworms and feeder fish (live food)
Hold the water at about 23-25 C. Being fully aquatic it needs no ambient humidity control, but it dislikes sudden swings, so use a heater and thermostat.
A pair fits a tank of about 110 L (29 gallons). Substrate is optional; provide potted plants or pipe sections as cover. Run generous filtration to keep water quality stable.
Feed live food such as earthworms and feeder fish. As an ambush predator it responds to movement and rarely takes prepared diets. Any tank mate that fits in the mouth will be eaten.
It is remarkably inactive, resting on the bottom with the forelimbs held out. Conspecific aggression is low and groups can be kept. It is shy of handling.
It lacks dermal antimicrobial peptides and is thought to be more susceptible to chytridiomycosis and ranavirus, so quarantine new arrivals. Keep the lid secured, as it can leave the tank.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Surinam Toad is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Surinam Toad is About 7 years on average in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Surinam Toad typically reaches 15-17cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Surinam Toad feeds on: Earthworms and feeder fish (live food). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Surinam Toad varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026