Cayman Wildlife Connection

Wildlife: Eastern Narrowmouth Toad

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad – Gastrophryne carolinensis; (Grand Cayman)

Size: up to 1.25 inches SVL*. Although this is a non-native species, we are including a description here because it is so well-established all over Grand Cayman. This species was introduced from the south eastern US. It has no toe pads and the feet are not webbed. It has a very obviously pointed snout and is dark in colour, ranging from chocolate brown to gray. Vocalization is a long series of bleats, up to four seconds, often heard just after rainfall. It was probably shipped from southern Florida, hiding in the root systems of imported plants. Described as "secretive" this frog is active at night and hides during the day in burrows. It breeds in shallow fresh water, often after a heavy rain. This animal produces toxic skin secretions as a protection from predators. It feeds on small insects including ants.

* Key:

SVL	Snout to Vent Length
TL	Total Length (including tail)

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