Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am considering acquiring 3 Suriname Toads(Pipa pipa). I have tried searching and have found a lot of conflicting information about their care. I was wondering what is considered the standards for their care. I was also wondering how a tank should be setup, like water depth, plants, filtering, etc.
Thanks for the help.

since you are getting 3 a half filled 30long may be best, with a whisper 40i. bigger is always better though. 6 inches of water is probably best. piles of plants for cover is good to keep them comfortable.

Don't bother with the half filled, fill it all the way up like a fish tank. These guys are super elegant swimmers as you'll find out (watch them in the evening with only the glow of your tv or monitor).

Ian

I can't believe I didn't know this forum was here.... I looove pipa pipa!

Thanks for the info. I will post pictures later. Should I put a big rock or "tree log" in. Also should I use floating plants or standard plants?
Thanks

Mix it up. In general, if it looks good, it'll also be making your toad feel secure. WHen I say boulders, I'm saying soft ball size , larger would be fine too, but don't get anything that might sacrifice the integrity of the glass bottom.

Ian

Thanks, that helps. I just recieved them two days ago and they seem to be doing well. I can hear the male call every once in a while. I was wondering about how long it should take them to eat. I have 6 rosey reds in the tank right now that I put in last night. The didn't eat any yet.

It depends on how much room the fish have. It's all a matter of chance. When they get into catch range they'll be gone. If you're toads are stressed, they may be hiding, but I never ran into this problem. Frogs in general are usually pretty good to get eating, they have a one track mind.

You may also want to try holding a small mouse (pinkie... depending on the size of your frogs) in tongues and slowly approach and slowly wave near the frog. If they don't eat it right away (or after bumping gently into the fingers) then they won't, and try again in a day or so.

Ian

They are eating now. I have not seen them actually eat but of the 7 rosie reds, there are now only 2. I tried a nightcrawler but they seemed to be afraid of it. Should I try it in the dark? What other fish could I try to feed them? The rosie reds seem a little small and maybe harder to catch.
Thanks for the help.

At first disappearing fish all that you will notice... it's a good sign!

Since you have a communal tank, you will need to make sure everyone is eating. If this is a problem you'll need to seperate them. Don't rush into anything though, just be observant. They do really well, and periods without eating are not a problem as long as it does not indicate disease.

Other things to try are minnows and goldfish. Don't feed exclusively any one kind of fish to ensure a good nutritional spectrum. South american tetras are a little more expensive but I feed them occasionally. They are native to the same areas as the pipa toads, however I'm uncertain if they cohabit the same microhabitats. As I said earlier, I'll also occasionally feed mice. You'll have to wait until they are settled and feeding off of tongues for that though. I've never fed worms, but they should be great too.

Ian

Sorry for the late reply. My "toads" have been doing well and have probably gone through 40 rosie reds since I got them. I am going to try the tetras but was wondering what kind it was that you used. Also, I was wondering exactly how you feed with tongs. Also, do you feed with tongs at night?
Thanks

Look here for the best pipa info on the net:

http://www.pipidae.net/