Amphibians
Cane toad care guide
Rhinella marina
A very large, hardy, heavy-eating toad. It needs floor space, a big water dish and careful handling because of its toxins.
Terrestrial — floor space first
Cane toad enclosure size
Terrestrial — floor space first. An adult cane toad should live in at least 36" L × 18" W × 16" H; we build toward 48" L × 24" W × 18" H (4 × 2 × 1.5 ft, roughly 8 sq ft of floor and about a 90-gallon glass equivalent).
Adults can exceed 6–9 in and need a lot of floor space.
- Hatchling / baby
- 20" L × 10" W × 12" H recommended · min 12" L × 8" W × 8" H
- Juvenile
- 30" L × 12" W × 12" H recommended · min 24" L × 12" W × 12" H
- Adult
- 48" L × 24" W × 18" H recommended · min 36" L × 18" W × 16" H
Temperature and heating
Heat mat or low-wattage lamp on a thermostat over part of the enclosure.
- Basking / warm surface
- Warm area around 80–85°F
- Warm side (ambient)
- 75–85°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 70–75°F
- Night
- 68–72°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: Low UVB (2–5%) is beneficial. Run lights on a 12 hours on, 12 hours off photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 50–70%. Damp substrate in one area, a large water dish and occasional misting.
Substrate and depth
Coco fiber or topsoil mix. Depth: 2–4 in.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Large shallow water dish
- Hides / cork bark
- Sturdy plants
Build list
- Digital hygrometer + thermometer — Read humidity and temperature instead of guessing.
- Water conditioner / RO water — Chlorine and chloramine burn permeable skin.
Cane toad FAQ
How big should an adult Cane toad enclosure be?
At least 36" L × 18" W × 16" H, and we recommend building to 48" L × 24" W × 18" H — about 4 × 2 × 1.5 ft, or a 90-gallon glass equivalent. Terrestrial — floor space first.
What temperatures does a Cane toad need?
Basking or warm surface Warm area around 80–85°F, warm side 75–85°F, cool side 70–75°F, night 68–72°F. Heat mat or low-wattage lamp on a thermostat over part of the enclosure.
Does a Cane toad need UVB?
Low UVB (2–5%) is beneficial. Photoperiod: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
What humidity does a Cane toad need?
50–70%. Damp substrate in one area, a large water dish and occasional misting.
What substrate is best for a Cane toad?
Coco fiber or topsoil mix, at a depth of 2–4 in.
How big does a Cane toad enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 20" L × 10" W × 12" H recommended, minimum 12" L × 8" W × 8" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Is there anything to be careful about when keeping a Cane toad?
Toxic: parotoid glands secrete bufotoxin that is dangerous to pets and people. Wear gloves or wash thoroughly, keep away from dogs, and never release. Illegal or restricted in some places — check local laws.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own cane toad record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.