Care sheet
Cranwell's Horned Frog
Ceratophrys cranwelli
Also known as: Pacman Frog (Chacoan)
Ceratophryidae · Anura
- Activity
- 🌙 Nocturnal
- Temperament
- Hands-off
- Adult length
- 3–5 in
- Lifespan (captivity)
- 6–10 yrs
- Native range
- South America — the Gran Chaco of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil
Care guide
Overview
Cranwell's Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) — the classic 'Pacman frog': a round, sedentary ambush predator that needs little space, a deep moist substrate to burrow, and clean dechlorinated water. Feed sparingly to avoid obesity; not a handling pet.
Environment
Climate
Housing
Enclosure
- HatchlingNot specified
- JuvenileNot specified
- Adult12x12x12 in for one adult; deep moist substrate to burrow (sit-and-wait)
Housing
Substrate
Nutrition
Diet & feeding
- JuvenileEvery 1-2 days
- AdultEvery 5-7 days (large feeders; avoid obesity)
Dust feeders with calcium+vitamins. Voracious ambush feeder — feed insects/worms; occasional rodent for adults only.
Care
Water & behavior
Shallow dish of dechlorinated water; they absorb water through the skin, so keep it clean.
Legal & ecology
Conservation
Least Concern; not CITES-listed. A hardy, low-space beginner amphibian; a sit-and-wait ambush predator that will bite anything moving. Absorbs water/toxins through skin — dechlorinate and keep clean.
Genetics
Morphs
Citations
Sources
Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.
- Ceratophrys cranwelli — AmphibiaWebacademic
AmphibiaWeb, UC Berkeley
Gran Chaco range, fossorial ambush-predator biology.
Published: 2020-01-01
- government
Least Concern; not CITES-listed.
Published: 2019-01-01
- Pacman Frog Carebreeder community
Josh's Frogs
Small enclosure, moist substrate, feeding frequency to avoid obesity, dechlorinated water.
Published: 2021-01-01