🐸 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

  • Provide a 12-hour light cycle.

Avoid strong lighting — they prefer dim conditions.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

  • 60–80% 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

  • Change daily or when dirty

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

4. Diet

Pacman frogs are aggressive, opportunistic carnivores.

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Every 2–3 days

  • Adults: 1–2 times per week

Prey

  • Insects (staples):

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Nightcrawlers (excellent, safe)

  • Occasional:

    • Hornworms

    • Silkworms

  • 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.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

  • Ambush predators: sit still and attack quickly

  • Not social and not handleable pets

  • Can be defensive and bite (they have strong jaws!)

Handling

  • Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary

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

  • Stress from handling can cause illness

Enrichment

Pacman frogs don’t need enrichment like climbing or toys:

  • Provide deep, moist substrate

  • Occasional rearranging of décor

  • Consistent humidity

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 8–15 years, sometimes longer with ideal 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

Vet Care

Seek an exotic vet if:

  • Frog appears bloated or red

  • Stops eating long-term

  • Has open sores or fungal patches

Final Notes

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.