Amphibian · Toad
Red-spotted toad care guide
Anaxyrus punctatus
The red-spotted toad is a intermediate-level toad from Southwestern USA, northern Mexico. Adults reach 4–7.5 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. A desert toad that hides in rock crevices; drier setup with a moist retreat.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 22–30°C
- Humidity 30–50% (humid hide)
How much does a red-spotted toad cost in Canada?
Red-spotted toad quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 4–7.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southwestern USA, northern Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–30°C
- Humidity
- 30–50% (humid hide)
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Red-spotted toad enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 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.
Temperature: 22–30°C. Humidity: 30–50% (humid hide). UVB: Recommended.
What does a red-spotted toad eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, roaches, mealworms. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Tolerates brief handling; wash hands after.
Health watch: Skin infections from wet substrate and dehydration.
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 red-spotted toad bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Red-spotted toad FAQ
Is the red-spotted toad good for beginners?
The red-spotted toad is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Tolerates brief handling; wash hands after.
What size enclosure does a red-spotted toad need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a red-spotted toad cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $310–580 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red-spotted toad need?
Temperature: 22–30°C. Humidity: 30–50% (humid hide).
What does a red-spotted toad eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, roaches, mealworms. Feed adults 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.