Animal Profiles
Amphibians

Marine Toad

Rhinella marina

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The cane toad, also called the marine toad, is a large American amphibian introduced to several other regions. Prominent glands behind the head produce defensive secretions.

A cane toad resting in grass.

Fernando Flores from Caracas, Venezuela · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Native to parts of the Americas, with introduced populations including Australia and some islands.
Habitat
Grassland, Temperate forest, Wetlands
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Insects and other available small animals, with opportunistic feeding on additional foods.

Classification

Common name
Marine Toad
Browse group
Amphibians
Scientific name or taxon
Rhinella marina
Taxon rank
species
Order
Anura
Family
Bufonidae
Genus
Rhinella
Source classification
Amphibia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
15 to 17.5 cm, up to 23.8 cm usual adult length and reported maximum

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • Cane toad and marine toad are alternative names.
  • Large defensive glands sit behind the eyes.
  • It often forages after dark.

Habitat and range

Native to parts of the Americas, with introduced populations including Australia and some islands.

Appearance and adaptations

Warty skin covers a broad body. Large parotoid glands sit behind the eyes, and the underside is paler than the back.

Diet and behaviour

It commonly searches for food after dark. Dry or cold conditions can reduce activity, while defensive gland secretions deter some would-be predators.

Sources

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