Smooth Sided Toad

Smooth-sided Toad

Scientific Name: Rhaebo guttatus
Common Name: Smooth-sided Toad

Species Overview

Size: A large and imposing species, adults typically reach 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm), with females often larger and heavier-bodied than males.

Appearance: The Smooth-sided Toad is robust and muscular with a comparatively smooth skin texture for a toad, lacking the heavy warts seen in many other species. Colouration ranges from deep brown and chestnut to reddish-brown or dark grey, often with faint darker mottling. A distinctive feature is the bright lateral marking behind each arm, which may appear red, orange, or yellow depending on locality. Parotoid glands are large and oval. The head is broad with a strong jawline, and the eyes are golden to copper with horizontal pupils. The underside is pale to greyish and may show speckling.

Distribution: Native to northern South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and the Guianas. It is commonly associated with Amazonian and Guianan rainforest regions.

Habitat: Wild individuals inhabit humid lowland rainforests, often near streams, leaf litter, fallen logs, and dense vegetation. They rely on stable humidity and retreat into shaded areas during the heat of the day. In captivity, they require a large, humid terrestrial enclosure with deep substrate and strong cover.

Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal, Smooth-sided Toads are slow-moving but powerful. They rely on their size and potent skin secretions for defence. They are solitary and remain still for extended periods, ambushing prey when it comes within reach. They will retreat quickly into cover if disturbed.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A single adult requires a 24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure at minimum, though a 36 × 18 × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure is strongly recommended for large adults. Provide deep, slightly moist soil or coconut fibre substrate mixed with leaf litter for burrowing and humidity retention. Add cork flats, large logs, broad plants, and shaded retreats. A wide, shallow water dish must be available for soaking.

Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 74 to 80°F (23 to 27°C)
Warm area: 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C)
Night temperature: 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)
Humidity: 70 to 90%, maintained with frequent misting and dense foliage. Ensure strong ventilation to avoid stagnant conditions.

Lighting: Provide low-level UVB (2 to 5%) and diffused lighting. Maintain a natural day and night cycle. Avoid excessively bright lighting, as this species prefers shaded environments.

Diet: Offer a varied insectivorous diet including crickets, roaches, large worms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and other suitable prey. Feed cautiously, as they have a powerful feeding response and may strike hard. Supplement prey with calcium and multivitamins. Juveniles should be fed more frequently; adults thrive on a moderated schedule.

Behaviour in Captivity: Smooth-sided Toads are hardy but require stable humidity and deep cover to remain comfortable. They hide extensively during the day and become active at night. Handling should be avoided due to their strong toxins and defensive nature.

Genetics Note

There are no recognised morphs for the Smooth-sided Toad. Natural variation occurs in lateral marking colour (ranging from yellow to bright red), dorsal tone, and mottling intensity, but these differences represent locality and individual variation rather than defined morphs.