Amphibian · Terrestrial frog
Mexican burrowing toad care guide
Rhinophrynus dorsalis
The mexican burrowing toad is a advanced-level terrestrial frog from Southern Texas to Costa Rica. Adults reach 6–9 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. A specialist ant and termite eater; needs very deep soil and small prey.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 75 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a mexican burrowing toad cost in Canada?
Mexican burrowing toad quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 6–9 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southern Texas to Costa Rica
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 75 cm (18 × 12 × 30 in, ≈ 27 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – termites, ants, small crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Mexican burrowing toad enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 75 cm (18 × 12 × 30 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
- 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. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a mexican burrowing toad eat?
Insectivore – termites, ants, small crickets, roaches. Feed small dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off; inflates when stressed.
Health watch: Starvation from too-large prey 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 mexican burrowing toad bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 75 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sheet Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A dark, damp retreat
Mexican burrowing toad FAQ
Is the mexican burrowing toad good for beginners?
The mexican burrowing toad is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Hands-off; inflates when stressed.
What size enclosure does a mexican burrowing toad need?
At least 45 × 30 × 75 cm (about 18 × 12 × 30 inches, roughly 27 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a mexican burrowing toad cost in Canada?
Typically $80–150 CAD to buy, about $380–700 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mexican burrowing toad need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a mexican burrowing toad eat?
Insectivore – termites, ants, small crickets, roaches. Feed small dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Similar species
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.