Strawberry Cranwell's Horned Frog (Pacman)

The Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys spp.), also known as the South American Horned Frog, is a popular amphibian pet due to its round body, large mouth, and low-maintenance care needs. Native to the rainforests of South America, these frogs are ambush predators that spend most of their time... Read More

The Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys spp.), also known as the South American Horned Frog, is a popular amphibian pet due to its round body, large mouth, and low-maintenance care needs. Native to the rainforests of South America, these frogs are ambush predators that spend most of their time burrowed, waiting for prey. Pacman Frogs are best suited for keepers who enjoy observing rather than handling, as they are not social animals but are hardy and fascinating to watch.

Pacman Frog Care Guide:

Enclosure Size:
Juveniles: 20 x 20 x 20 cm enclosure minimum.
Adults: 30 x 30 x 30 cm or larger (a 10-gallon tank works well).
Glass or plastic enclosures with a secure lid are ideal for maintaining humidity.

Substrate:
Use coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a soil mix that retains moisture.
Substrate should be deep enough (5–10 cm) to allow burrowing.
Avoid gravel, sand, or dry substrates to prevent impaction and dehydration.

Hides & Decor:
Pacman Frogs often burrow rather than use traditional hides.
Provide leaf litter or logs for visual cover and enrichment.
Minimal climbing decor is needed as they are not arboreal.

Humidity:
Maintain humidity between 60–80%.
Mist daily to keep the substrate moist but not soggy.
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.

Lighting & Temperature:
UVB: Not required, but low-level UVB (2.0) can be beneficial.
Ambient Temperature: 24–27°C during the day.
Night Drop: No lower than 21°C.
Use a low-wattage heat mat on the side of the tank if extra warmth is needed—avoid under-tank heating for safety.

Diet:
Food: Carnivorous—offer appropriately sized live prey such as crickets, roaches, earthworms, and the occasional pinkie mouse for adults.
Feeding Schedule:
Juveniles: Feed every 1–2 days.
Adults: Feed every 2–3 days.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
Supplementation:
Dust insects with calcium without D3 2–3 times a week and with D3 once a week. Multivitamins can be offered once every 1–2 weeks.

Water & Hydration:
Provide a shallow water dish large enough for the frog to soak in.
Use dechlorinated or spring water and change it daily.
Keep substrate moist to support hydration through the skin.

Handling:
Handling is not recommended—Pacman Frogs have sensitive skin and may bite if they feel threatened.
If handling is necessary (e.g., for enclosure cleaning), use clean, wet hands or gloves.

Pacman Frogs are solitary and low-maintenance pets ideal for display setups. With proper care, they can live for 7–10 years or longer, offering a unique and stationary charm to any amphibian lover’s collection.