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Care sheet

Pacman Frog

Ceratophrys ornata

Also known as: Ornate Horned Frog, Argentine Horned Frog

Ceratophryidae · Anura

BeginnerIUCN NT
Activity
🌙 Nocturnal
Temperament
Hands-off
Adult length
4–6 in
Adult weight
200–500 g
Lifespan (captivity)
6–15 yrs
Native range
Subtropical South America — Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil

Care guide

Overview

Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata) — A chunky, sit-and-wait ambush predator with one of the highest bite-force-to-size ratios in the amphibian world. Pacmans spend most of their time half-buried, waiting for prey to wander past. Keep on deep moist substrate they can burrow into, with a shallow water dish for soaking. Avoid handling — their skin is permeable and human skin oils can be absorbed. Common pitfall: feeding rodents too often. Pacmans will eat anything that fits, but a rodent-heavy diet causes fatty liver disease and shortens lifespan dramatically. Insects + the occasional rodent is the right balance.

Environment

Climate

Cool side
70–76 °F
Warm side
76–82 °F
Nighttime
65–72 °F
Humidity (ambient)
50–80%
Shed-cycle boost
70–90%

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation
Terrestrial
Bioactive setup
Suitable
Minimum size by life stage
  • HatchlingSmall deli cup / shoebox bin (1-2 gal)
  • Juvenile5 gallon / 16"L x 8"W x 10"H
  • Adult10-20 gallon / 20"L x 10"W x 12"H

Housing

Substrate

Depth
3–5 in
Safe options
coco fibersphagnum mossABG mixdeep leaf litter
Avoid
sandgravelcedarpine

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type
Strict carnivore
Prey size by life stage
  • HatchlingPinhead crickets, fruit flies, small earthworms
  • JuvenileMedium crickets, dubia, nightcrawlers
  • AdultLarge crickets, dubia, nightcrawlers; occasional pinky mouse
Feeding frequency by life stage
  • HatchlingDaily
  • JuvenileEvery 2-3 days
  • AdultEvery 7-10 days
Supplementation

Dust insects with calcium + D3 at most feedings for juveniles; every other for adults. Multivitamin once a week. Rodents are high-fat and should be occasional treats only, not staples — fatty liver disease is a common cause of premature death in rodent-fed Pacmans.

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Shallow water dish large enough to soak in. Pacman frogs absorb water through skin so dechlorinated/spring water is mandatory.

Soaking behavior

Will soak when humidity is low or before feeding.

Brumation (optional)

Aestivates (not brumation) during dry periods in the wild — burrows down and forms a cocoon. Captive Pacmans don't need this if kept on stable humidity year-round.

Defensive displays
gaping mouth displayloud calls when stressed

Legal & ecology

Conservation

IUCN Red List
NT · Near Threatened
Wild populations

Wild populations are declining due to habitat loss and agricultural conversion. Captive-bred animals are widely available and strongly preferred.

Genetics

Morphs

Morph market
Active
Complexity
Moderate

Citations

Sources

Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.

  1. Pacman Frog Care Guide

    ReptiFiles

    breeder community

    Multi-source hobby care guide for Ceratophrys with husbandry ranges cross-checked against amphibian-keeping references.

    Published: 2023-01-01

  2. Pacman Frog Care

    AmphibianCare.com

    breeder community

    Long-running amphibian husbandry reference with detailed Ceratophrys feeding + humidity guidance.

    Published: 2021-01-01

  3. Pacman Frog Care Sheet

    Josh's Frogs

    breeder

    Care sheet from a major US captive-bred amphibian supplier.

    Published: 2023-01-01

Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata) care sheet — Herpetoverse