Permeable skin

Also called: Cutaneous respiration

Amphibians have thin, permeable skin that absorbs water, oxygen and — unfortunately — toxins, soaps and salts, which is why clean water and clean, wet hands matter so much.

Many amphibians even breathe partly (or entirely) through their skin. It also means chemicals on your hands, or pollutants in the water, pass straight into the animal — so handle minimally with clean, wet hands, and never use anything that leaves a residue in the enclosure.