🐸 General Info

Pacman Frogs (Genus: Ceratophrys) are stout, round-bodied terrestrial frogs native to South America. They are known for their massive mouths, vibrant colors, and ambush-predator behavior. Species include the Argentine Horned Frog (C. ornata), Cranwell’s Horned Frog (C. cranwelli), and the Fantasy Frog hybrid.

Pacman frogs spend most of their time buried, waiting to lunge at passing prey. They are low-activity, low-climbing, ground-dwelling frogs that thrive in simple yet properly humid enclosures. Adults typically reach 4–7 inches, with females being significantly larger than males.

With proper care, Pacman frogs can live 8–15 years, occasionally longer.

Enclosure

  • Size

    • Adults: 10–20 gallon enclosure (they don’t need height or much space)

    • Juveniles: 5–10 gallons

    • They are sedentary but need enough room to burrow and maintain humidity.

  • Material

    • Glass tanks, secure front-opening terrariums, or plastic tubs

    • Must retain humidity well

  • Décor

    • Pacman frogs prefer simplicity:

    • A large water dish for soaking

    • Leaf litter or soft décor

    • A single hide (optional — they often burrow instead)

    • Avoid sharp or tall climbing décor; they don’t climb.

  • Substrate

    • Pacman frogs must have safe, moisture-retaining substrate:

    • Coconut fiber (Eco Earth) — best choice

    • Cypress mulch

    • Moss (as a top layer)

    • Substrate should be 3–4 inches deep for burrowing.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Temperatures

    • Warm Side: 82–85°F

    • Cool Side: 75–78°F

    • Ambient: 75–82°F

    • Night: 70–74°F

  • Heating

    • Use a low-wattage heat mat on the side (not underneath if the frog burrows deeply)

    • Ceramic heat emitters or overhead bulbs can be used if needed

  • Lighting

    • Pacman frogs do not require UVB, but low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) can be beneficial. replace bulb 6-12 months according to manufacture.

    • Provide a 12-hour light cycle.

    • Avoid strong lighting — they prefer dim conditions.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 60–80% humidity

  • Maintain Humidity:

    • Mist daily to keep substrate damp but not soaking wet

    • Provide a humid hide or moss pocket if humidity is inconsistent.

  • Water

    • A shallow bowl big enough for the frog to sit in

    • Must be dechlorinated water ONLY

    • Change daily or when dirty

    • Never use deep water — Pacman frogs are poor swimmers and can drown.

Diet

  • Type: Opportunistic carnivores

  • Feeding Schedule

    • Juveniles: Every 2–3 days

    • Adults: 1–2 times per week

  • Staple Foods:

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Nightcrawlers (excellent, safe)

  • Occasional:

    • Hornworms

    • Silkworms

    • Superworms

  • Rare treats:

    • Pinky mice (only for large adults, not regularly)

  • Supplements

    • Calcium + D3 dust 1–2× weekly

    • Multivitamin dust 1× weekly

  • Important Notes

    • Avoid feeding wild-caught insects.

    • Never feed hard-shelled prey like mealworms/superworms often — risk of impaction.

    • Use feeding tongs to prevent accidental bites.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament - Pacman frogs are ambush predators so they like to sit still and wait for food to come close before striking. They do not like to be held and are not very social but they do make cool display animals. They do have a very strong bite so another reason to avoid handling.

  • Handling

    • Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary

    • Their skin absorbs chemicals—use clean, wet hands or gloves

    • Stress from handling can cause illness

  • Enrichment

    • Provide deep, moist substrate

    • Occasional rearranging of décor

    • Consistent humidity

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 8–15 +years with proper care

  • Common Health Issues

    • Impaction: from ingesting substrate or hard prey

    • Dehydration: causes lethargy and sunken eyes

    • Red-leg syndrome: a dangerous bacterial infection

    • Shedding problems: stuck skin during humidity drops

  • Signs of Illness

    • Refusing food for more than 2 weeks (for juveniles)

    • Staying on surface constantly

    • Redness on belly or legs

    • Cloudy eyes

    • Excess soaking or never soaking

    • Difficulty shedding

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

Pacman frogs are hardy, fascinating “sit-and-wait” predators with minimal space needs and simple care requirements. With proper humidity, warmth, and a safe diet, they thrive and display their bold personalities (and even bolder appetites!). They make excellent pets for keepers wanting a low-maintenance but impressive amphibian.