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Description
Giant Asian River Toad
Scientific Name: Phrynoidis aspera
Common Name: Giant Asian River Toad
Species Overview
Size: A large and imposing species, adults typically reach 5 to 8 inches (12.5 to 20 cm), with some individuals exceeding this range. Females are generally larger and heavier-bodied than males.
Appearance: The Giant Asian River Toad is heavily built, with coarse, spiny tubercles covering the back and limbs. Colouration ranges from deep brown and charcoal to olive or reddish-brown, often with irregular darker blotches. The parotoid glands are very large and pronounced, contributing to the toad’s formidable appearance. The skin texture is rough and rugged, especially along the limbs. The underside is pale to greyish and may be mottled. The head is broad with a blunt snout, and the eyes typically show bronze or copper tones with horizontal pupils.
Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. It occurs primarily in lowland and hill rainforest regions.
Habitat: Wild individuals inhabit forested riverbanks, rocky streams, and moist, densely vegetated slopes. They are often found near fast-moving water but remain mostly terrestrial, sheltering under logs, leaf litter, or rock crevices. In captivity, they require a spacious terrestrial enclosure with high humidity, deep substrate, and sturdy hides.
Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal, this species is slow but powerful, relying on its large size and defensive secretions when threatened. They are solitary and territorial, especially adults. Though strong walkers and hoppers, they are not highly active outside of feeding or breeding periods.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Due to their size, a single adult requires a minimum enclosure of 36 × 18 × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm), though larger enclosures are strongly recommended. Provide deep, slightly moist soil or coconut fibre substrate, mixed with leaf litter to create a natural forest floor. Add large cork logs, rocks, and secure hides. A wide, shallow water dish should be available for occasional soaking, though they are primarily terrestrial.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C)
Warm area: 84 to 88°F (29 to 31°C)
Night temperature: 70 to 74°F (21 to 23°C)
Humidity: 60 to 80%, maintained with regular misting. Ensure strong ventilation to prevent stagnation.
Lighting: Provide low-level UVB (2 to 5%) with shaded areas throughout the enclosure. Maintain a natural day and night cycle. Live plants may be used if lighting supports them, though this species is heavy and may crush delicate foliage.
Diet: Offer a varied insect diet including large crickets, roaches, earthworms, hornworms, and other suitable invertebrates. They have strong feeding responses and may accept prey items that are too large, so feeding should be moderated carefully. Supplement prey with calcium and vitamins. Juveniles should be fed more frequently than adults.
Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy but best suited for experienced keepers due to their size and strong toxins. They hide extensively during the day and become active, deliberate hunters at night. Handling should be avoided to protect both the animal and the keeper.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for the Giant Asian River Toad. Natural variation in colour intensity, dorsal patterning, and tubercle prominence occurs across its range but is not considered morph-based.