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Fire bellied toad

Although they are amphibians, they spend a large portion of their lives in water, making them more aquatic than many other toad species.

  • Least Concern
  • Near Threatened
  • Vulnerable
  • Endangered
  • Critically Endangered
  • Extinct in the Wild
  • Extinct

Meet our fire bellied toads


The Fire-bellied Toad is a small, brightly coloured amphibian known for its vivid red or orange underbelly—an unmistakable warning to predators. Although called a “toad”, it has many frog-like features. These toads are lively, hardy, and often found in shallow ponds, where they display unique defensive behaviours, such as arching their backs and showing off their warning colours when threatened.

Why is it called the Fire-bellied Toad?

It’s named for the bright red or orange colouring on its underside, which resembles flames and acts as a warning to predators that it may be toxic or distasteful.

Are Fire-bellied Toads poisonous?

Yes, they secrete mild toxins through their skin. While not harmful to humans if handled properly, the secretion can cause irritation if it comes into contact with mucous membranes or open wounds.

How do Fire-bellied Toads avoid being eaten by predators?

To avoid being eaten, the Fire-bellied toad uses a behaviour called the “unken reflex”. Whilst doing this, they arch their backs and raise their limbs to display their brightly coloured bellies. This sudden flash of colour warns predators that they may be toxic, helping the toad avoid being eaten.

Key Facts

Family:
Bombinatoridae
Diet:
Carnivorous (Insects, worms, and small invertebrates)
Life Span:
10-15 years
Number of Young:
100-200 eggs per clutch
Distribution:
Eastern and Central Asia, parts of Russia and China
Habitat:
Shallow ponds, wetlands, and slow-moving streams
Length:
3.5-5.5cm
Weight:
20-30g
Did you know?
Fire-bellied toads have pupils shaped like triangles, which is quite rare among amphibians and gives them a unique, alert appearance!

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