Meet the strange Surinam toad: A frog that gives birth through holes on its back like a sci-fi creature

Surinam Toad Gives Birth Through Skin Holes Like Sci-Fi Creature (Image: AI Generated)

It seems fantastical but turns out to be an impressive survival strategy. The Surinam toad, which is originally from South America, has one of the most unique birth processes. How does this rainforest amphibian bring its young into the world?

Where Does the Surinam Toad Live and What Does It Look Like?

The Surinam toad lives in slow rainforest pools. It is fully aquatic, rarely leaving water. Found across the Amazon Basin, it hides well. The toad’s body is flat and rectangular. Each corner has a distinct leg. Rear legs are thick and webbed for swimming. Front legs are spindly with splayed fingers. Its small eyes sit atop the head. They barely serve a purpose in darkness. Its flattened form allows it to hide easily.

A female Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) in the Natural History Museum of Vienna. (Wikimedia Commons)

How Does the Surinam Toad Hunt Its Prey?

The toad is an ambush predator in water. It relies on special senses to detect prey. Linear patterns called lateral lines cover its body. These detect water pressure changes and vibrations. The front toes have star-like, divided lobes. Nicknamed the star-fingered toad for this feature. These help sense worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Once prey is near, it snaps its jaws. Its mouth cavity expands explosively in milliseconds. Internal organs shift to create huge suction. This action draws in water and prey. Front feet help strain out excess water. Prey remains trapped while water is expelled.

How Does the Surinam Toad Reproduce and Give Birth?

Reproduction is even more unusual and mechanical. The male makes a ticking sound to attract females. He then performs swimming loops in embrace. The female lays up to 100 eggs. The male fertilises them and spreads them on her back. The sticky eggs sink into her skin. They become embedded and sealed over time. The eggs develop safely under the skin. The toadlets grow fully inside the mother. Skin bulges and pulsates when they are ready. Finally, she gives a shrug and releases them. The tiny toads emerge fully formed from skin.

The Surinam toad's bizarre life amazes wildlife experts. Its special survival and reproduction mechanisms are different from others. This rainforest dweller is still one of the weirdest wonders of nature.