Gulf Coast toad (Incilius nebulifer)
Photo: MH Herpetology / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Toad

Gulf Coast toad care guide

Incilius nebulifer

Beginner

The gulf coast toad is a beginner-level toad from US Gulf Coast to eastern Mexico. Adults reach 5–10 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. A hardy toad with a big appetite; avoid overfeeding.

  • Enclosure 60 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 22–28°C
  • Humidity 50–70%

How much does a gulf coast toad cost in Canada?

Animal$20–40Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$320–600Enclosure $130–250 · equipment $110–240 · bioactive supplies ≈ $90
Yearly upkeep$100–200Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$440–840All prices CAD, estimates

Gulf Coast toad quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
5–10 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
US Gulf Coast to eastern Mexico
Minimum enclosure
60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 14 US gal)
Housing
Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
22–28°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches
Bioactive style
Terrestrial amphibian

Gulf Coast toad enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm

Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.

Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a gulf coast toad eat?

Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Tolerates brief handling; wash hands after.

Health watch: Obesity and skin infections.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove uneaten food.
  • Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top of the soil.

Recommended for a gulf coast toad bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 30 × 30 cm).

Gulf Coast toad FAQ

Is the gulf Coast toad good for beginners?

Yes – the gulf Coast toad is a good choice for beginners. Tolerates brief handling; wash hands after.

What size enclosure does a gulf Coast toad need?

At least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (about 24 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 14 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a gulf Coast toad cost in Canada?

Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $320–600 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a gulf Coast toad need?

Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a gulf Coast toad eat?

Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.