Exotic toad breeding first

AQUARISTS at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry have successfully bred an exotic species of toxic fire-bellied toad for the first time.

Seven tadpoles have been born, with dozens of eggs still waiting to hatch out.

Originally from China, Russia and Korea, oriental fire-bellied toads get their name from their distinctive underbellies which flash coloured spots as a warning to would-be predators.

Deep Sea World aquarist Paul Strachan said: "It's fantastic news that the toads have bred successfully for the first time and it's a great start to our amphibian breeding season."