Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I seized the moment in getting 3.2 Pipa pipa. These are HUGE adults, even the two females have birth scares on their backs. This group is in a 65 gallon (cube or breeder) tank , PH 6.5 , 80F , lots of anubias and a couple of drift wood. This particular tank is tall and a powerful ehiem canister filter to move alot of water. I have an empty 125 gallon so I most likely will get another 3.2 and eventually combine the two groups into the 125 gallon tank. IMO , Pipa pipa look the best in a amzonia biotope. Providing a large enough tank , most likely you'll observe alot of natural behaviors. These def. meets one's need for one of the weirder and more bizarre herp.

I've kept this species for ~15 years now. I'm no expert still, but IMO I think they prefer little water flow. You could probably get away with a smaller filter, or just direct the flow against the glass to minimize currents. They love places to hide, even if it's just a floating peice of cork bark; you should do well with all your anubias if they are tied down to some drift wood. This species is notorious for uprooting plants. If not already leaking from your wood peices, try adding some tannins (Backwater extract). A dead leaf layer on the substrate is also dynomite for looks and behavior.

When you do get your additional group, be sure to quarantine well! I find that new imports are about 50:50 on survival and you'd hate to bring in something contagious. If your current group all does well, then perhaps stick with them in your 125 tank. With less crowded conditions you'll have a better chance with breeding them.

Ian

Just thought I'd add a super old pic of my original Pipa.

Lets see if this works; I love pipids
" alt="Image">

I've since aquired another 1.1.5 and loving everyone of them !I moved the adult group ( 4.3 ) in a standard 125 gallon tank. Back in March of this year, it was a rainy month. The adult toads definitely felt the barometric pressure and were all amplexing within three days. The females were successful in producing babies. Just recently I recieved 5 juvenile pipas. I'm on the search for Pipa parva for over eight months now !