Surinam Toad
ExploreAmphibians
Surinam Toad
Pipa pipa
The Surinam Toad is a unique toad that has a flat body and can hide very well in the water. It looks like a leaf!
Habitat: Swamps and slow rivers
Appearance
The Surinam Toad is incredibly flat, resembling a fallen leaf or stone. It has rough, bumpy, brownish-grey skin, a distinct triangular head, and tiny, almost hidden eyes. Its unique, flattened body helps it blend seamlessly into muddy riverbeds.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyPipidaeGenusPipa
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Instead of hopping, they usually swim with powerful webbed hind feet to move.
Surinam toads are truly aquatic; they never leave the water, even to lay eggs!
They hunt by touch; tiny fingers help them find hidden snacks in murky water!
This toad is super flat, looking exactly like a dead leaf on the riverbed!
Special abilities
Ability
Living Nursery
Surinam Toad has unique back skin that thickens to hold eggs, protecting babies until they hatch as tiny, fully formed toadlets.
Ability
Master of Disguise
Surinam Toad can flatten its body and blend perfectly with muddy riverbeds, making it nearly invisible to predators and prey.
Ability
Underwater Sensors
Surinam Toad has star-shaped fingertips that are highly sensitive, helping them find food in murky water by touch.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.12-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 7-12 years
- Clutch Size
- 60-100
- Metamorphosis
- 70-120 days
Diet & Feeding
Tiny fish, worms, and bugs are tasty treats for this flat friend!
Primary Foods
- small fish
- aquatic insects
- crustaceans
- worms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Preys on small fish found in its habitat.
eats
Bloodworm (midge larva)
Chironomus plumosus
Consumes aquatic insect larvae from riverbeds.
eaten by
Spectacled Caiman
Caiman crocodilus
Juveniles are prey for larger aquatic predators.
eaten by
Green Anaconda
Eunectes murinus
Can be hunted by large aquatic snakes.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Pipa ToadToad of Suriname
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Surinam Toad?
10-20 cm
How much does Surinam Toad weigh?
0.12-0.2 kg
How long does Surinam Toad live?
7-12 years
What does Surinam Toad eat?
Tiny fish, worms, and bugs are tasty treats for this flat friend!
Where is Surinam Toad usually found?
Swamps and slow rivers
How does Surinam Toad hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Surinam Toad lay?
60-100
How long does Surinam Toad take to complete metamorphosis?
70-120 days
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