Classification
Classification
Order: anura
Family: bufonidae
Genus: bufo
Species: bufo valliceps
Habitat
This species can be found in the states of Texas and Louisiana in the US as well as in Veracruz area in Mexico. It dwells in a variety of terrains: coastal prairies, beaches, towns etc.
Outward appearance
It is a relatively small toad, adults reach the length of 6-7 cm. Males and females are the same size.
Thin ridges extend from the nose to the back of the head. The coloration varies depending on the terrain, from nearly black to shades of brown and grey. Often there are wide light yellow stripes on the back. The skin is rough and warty. Warts on the back are larger than on the sides; they are brown or pinkish.
Character
Normally these toads are calm and gentle. However, like with almost all the amphibians, handling should be avoided since oils and other substances on human skin can be harmful for toads.
Maintenance care
Gulf coast toads should be kept in horizontal tanks. For substrate you can use coconut husks, sphagnum, mulch or soil covered with ground bark. For hiding places you can use driftwood, bark, ceramic plant pots. A large bowl with fresh clean water is a must. You will have to mist the substrate regularly. The ambient temperature should be around 24-26 degrees.
Feeding
Gulf coast toads eat big insects such as mealworm, superworm, cockroaches, crickets etc. They should be fed daily.
Breeding
Breeding season lasts from March to September.
Frogs gather at suitable breeding sites throughout the summer rainy season. Calling males and breeding activity were observed at temperatures from 15–30 ˚C. Females do not remain at the breeding site after eggs are deposited. Larvae have been observed in ponds from April–August. Gulf Coast Toads breed in a wide variety of still-water habitats, including ponds, ephemeral wetlands, roadside ditches, and artificial impoundments. Eggs are typically deposited in still, shallow water, with or without vegetation. The eggs of these toads are usually deposited in double rows that are strung out and pelagic; egg density in the rows ranges from 7–10 to 25–27 eggs. A single clutch may contain approximately 20,000 eggs.
