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Timbo Disc Frog
Synapturanus salseri
A tiny fossorial disc frog (2.6 cm) endemic to the leaf litter and soils of Rio Negro Basin (Brazil, Colombia). Highly adapted to underground foraging with its pointed snout and reduced eyes.
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 24 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Distributed in the upper Rio Negro basin in northwestern Amazonia, with populations recorded in northwestern Brazil (Amazonas state) and eastern Colombia. It inhabits primary, non-flooded rainforests (terra firme), living buried in damp, sandy-clay soils beneath layers of leaf litter.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Microhylidae, subfamily Otophryninae, and genus Synapturanus. Scientifically described by Pyburn in 1975. Evolutionary lineage shows extreme physiological and anatomical adaptations for subterranean microhabitats. DNA barcoding distinguishes it from S. mirandaribeiroi.
Behavior and Habits: Exhibits an almost entirely fossorial lifestyle. Emerge onto the forest floor very rarely, primarily during heavy tropical rains for breeding. Males vocalize from within their self-dug underground burrows, emitting a high-pitched call that penetrates the soil to attract females.
Morphology: A very small frog, with adult lengths ranging between 2.4 and 2.6 cm (1 inch). Features a heavily built, drop-shaped body with short, muscular limbs adapted for reverse-burrowing. The snout is highly pointed and rigid, while the eyes are reduced, and the tympanum is absent.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A specialized terrarium measuring at least 40x30x30 cm (15x12x12 inches) is required. Provide a deep substrate layer (12-15 cm) made of a moist mix of peat moss, organic soil, and fine coco coir. The surface must be covered with a thick layer of sterile leaf litter (oak or catappa leaves).
Lighting and Heating: Strong lights are not needed; a dim LED to establish a 12-hour light cycle is sufficient. Maintain daytime temperatures at 24-26°C (75-79°F), dropping to 20°C (68°F) at night. Do not use under-tank heating mats as they dry out the burrowing soil from below.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high relative humidity between 85% and 95%. Substrate must remain damp but not muddy. Spray the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water. Provide a very shallow water dish, though hydration is achieved mostly by absorbing water from the soil.
Feeding and Supplementation: Feeds on tiny soil-dwelling invertebrates. Offer springtails, dwarf isopods, wingless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Prey should be dusted with calcium powder at every feeding, and with a multivitamin including D3 twice a week.
Compatibility: Best kept in a single-species setup. Do not cohouse with other amphibian species. A small group can be housed together if the enclosure is spacious and the substrate is deep enough to allow separate digging spaces.
Health and Common Diseases: Bacterial or fungal dermatitis is a significant risk if the soil becomes stagnant or dirty. Dehydration is fatal within hours if the humidity drops. Handling should be avoided to prevent damage to their delicate, permeable skin.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Distributed in the upper Rio Negro basin in northwestern Amazonia, with populations recorded in northwestern Brazil (Amazonas state) and eastern Colombia. It inhabits primary, non-flooded rainforests (terra firme), living buried in damp, sandy-clay soils beneath layers of leaf litter.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and GuianasEurope, Mediterranean, and West Asia
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- Insectivore
- Synapturanus salseri has a specialized diet consisting primarily of small insects and invertebrates found in its natural habitat. It actively hunts for prey during its peak activity hours, utilizing its agile movements to capture food. Nutritional supplementation is often required in captivity to maintain its health and vitality. Caretakers should ensure a varied diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote natural feeding behaviors.
- Life expectancy
- 3-8 years
- With proper care, the indicative life expectancy is 3-8 years.
- Adult size
- 2.8 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 2.8 cm. The AmphiBIO v1 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 3.5 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- Fossorial
- Synapturanus salseri leads a specialized lifestyle adapted to the unique challenges of its native ecosystem. Its daily routine revolves around securing adequate nutrition, avoiding natural predators, and maintaining optimal body temperature. The species has evolved specific morphological traits that aid in its distinct way of living, whether arboreal, terrestrial, or aquatic. Understanding its lifestyle is fundamental to providing a suitable and enriching captive environment.
- Activity cycle
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Synapturanus salseri is distinctly regulated by its circadian rhythm and the ambient temperature of its environment. It may exhibit nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular habits depending on its specific evolutionary adaptations. These patterns are essential for thermoregulation, predator avoidance, and efficient foraging within its habitat. Caretakers should carefully provide appropriate lighting and heating cycles to match these natural rhythms.
- Sociality
- Solitary
- Synapturanus salseri exhibits a fascinating array of behaviors that are closely tied to its ecological niche and survival strategies. It is known to display territorial behaviors, especially during the breeding season or when competing for limited resources. Social interactions can vary significantly, ranging from solitary habits to complex group dynamics depending on the context. Observing these behaviors provides valuable insights into its overall well-being and environmental suitability.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- The reproductive cycle of Synapturanus salseri is highly dependent on environmental cues such as temperature and humidity changes. Mating typically occurs during specific seasons when environmental conditions are optimal for the survival of offspring. Courtship behaviors are distinct and play a crucial role in successful mating and fertilization. Breeders must replicate these natural conditions carefully to encourage reproduction in a captive setting.
- Toxicity
- Toxic
- No known toxicity to humans, but extremely sensitive to chemical residues on the skin.
- Life stage
- Direct development
- Eggs undergo direct or partially terrestrial development inside underground burrows.
- Handling tolerance
- Display only
- As a delicate amphibian with permeable skin, it is best kept as a display-only animal to prevent stress and exposure to toxins.
- Brumation
- Not required
- No true brumation is required, though it may become inactive during dry periods, waiting for seasonal rains to stimulate breeding behavior.
- Molting
- Periodic
- Shedding occurs periodically. High humidity must be maintained in the substrate to facilitate proper shedding; the skin is typically consumed.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
