Surinam Toad
The Surinam Toad Pipa pipa is a unique and bizarre-looking amphibian native to the murky waters of the Amazon basin in South America. It is known for its flattened, leaf-like body and its lack of a tongue and teeth. The Surinam Toad is a master of camouflage and will often remain motionless on the bottom of a river or pond, waiting for its prey to come close. Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
The most incredible thing about the Surinam Toad is its unique breeding habits. The female carries her eggs on her back, where they are embedded in the skin. The eggs then develop into fully formed froglets, which emerge from the female's back. This incredible process protects the young from predators and ensures their survival.
The Surinam Toad's unique appearance and bizarre breeding habits make it a fascinating and important animal of the rainforest.
Surinam Toad
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
4 - 6 inches
(10 - 15 cm)
Average Weight
1 - 2 lbs
(0.5 - 0.9 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 15 years
Gestation Period
80 - 100 days
Did You Know?
The Surinam Toad is known for its incredibly flat body, which helps it camouflage on the riverbed.
Instead of laying eggs and having tadpoles in the water, the female Surinam Toad carries her eggs embedded in her back until they hatch as fully formed toadlets.
These toads have excellent camouflage and can blend in perfectly with their surroundings, often looking like dead leaves.
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