Surinam / Pipa

[Jenste]

After we move into our house (looking to be late teens/early twenties of August) I am interested in setting up a tank and trying my hand at Surinam Toads...

Does anyone here keep them? Or better yet, keep them and have some to sell?

How is the set up, or is it basically similar to Xenopus Laevis?
Dietary differences? Temp differences?

I am having trouble locating any on-line and am trying to figure out how I can go about getting my hands on a few - the local pet stores around here do not carry them and gave me a blank stare when I asked if they could order some....

[tgampper]

Hi Jenna:

Pipas are fantastic frogs! As with the clawed frogs, they seem to be getting scarce on the market. Occasionally, you will find them at herp shows. They do require a much larger aquarium than clawed frogs, figure 20+ gallons per individual. They grow to 6 inches in length. In nature, they are generally found in murky, blackwater environments. They are practically blind and use their star-like finger tips and highly developed scent receptors on their face to sense their prey.

They require warmer water, 80(F) or 27(C); temps should remain fairly constant both day and night. Use very subdued lighting or none at all and provide plenty of hides. Have adequate low-flow filtration since they are messy. They prefer small fish and crustaceans although earthworms and insects are also taken.

Many individuals do not do well in captivity because most are wild caught and may be injured during transport. Make sure you get one that is captive-bred.

There are 7 species in the genus and and divided into two "reproductive groups":

P. pipa, P. snethlageae, P. arrabaldi - eggs are retained on the mother's back until they are developed into tiny toadlets

P. carvalhoi, P. myseri, and P. parva - free-living larvae (tadpoles) are released from the mother's back

P. aspera - poorly known species, similar to P. arrabaldi

The most common species found in the pet trade are P. pipa, P. parva and P. carvalhoi.